E215: Sodium Ethyl Paraben
Main role: preservation
Also listed as: sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, sodium ethylparaben
What is E215 (Sodium Ethyl Paraben)?
E215 is a sodium form of ethyl paraben. Forming a salt changes the handling and formulation properties of the preservative. It remains related to ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate E214, while differing from sodium methyl paraben E219.
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 food preservative preparations
- Selected confectionery formulations
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 E215, E 215, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, sodium ethylparaben. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A sodium salt designation does not make this a table-salt ingredient. Compare E215 with E214 by preservative identity and permitted use rather than by the word sodium alone.
Is E215 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 E215 as Sodium ethyl p-hyroxybenzoate. 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.