E214: Ethyl Paraben
Main role: preservation
Also listed as: ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, ethylparaben
What is E214 (Ethyl Paraben)?
E214 is the ethyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, commonly called ethyl paraben. It is a preservative with a distinct identity from the methyl and propyl parabens. A shared family name does not make every paraben authorized for the same food application.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is preservation. Preservation is one part of a food safety system. Recipe acidity, processing, packaging, and storage also affect how a product keeps. Follow the finished product’s storage instructions even when a preservative is listed.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified confectionery formulations
- Selected food preservation applications
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E214, E 214, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, ethylparaben. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Do not infer E214's food status from a headline about a different paraben or a cosmetic product. Match the precise ester, jurisdiction, and permitted food category.
Is E214 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E214 as Ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.