E219: Sodium Methyl Paraben
Main role: preservation
Also listed as: sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, sodium methylparaben
What is E219 (Sodium Methyl Paraben)?
E219 is the sodium form of methyl paraben, used as a preservative in specified food applications. The sodium form has different solubility and handling characteristics from methyl paraben E218. Both refer to a defined preservative, not to the amount present in a serving.
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 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 E219, E 219, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, sodium methylparaben. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
The label name distinguishes E219 from sodium ethyl paraben E215. When researching a paraben ingredient, retain the full name because the ester structure matters.
Is E219 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 E219 as Sodium methyl 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.