E243: Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate
Main role: microbial preservation
Also listed as: ethyl lauroyl arginate hydrochloride, LAE
What is E243 (Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate)?
E243 refers to ethyl lauroyl arginate hydrochloride, a preservative based on an arginine-derived structure and a fatty-acid component. It interacts with microbial membranes. The presence of the word arginate does not make a treated food an arginine sports supplement.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is microbial 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 heat-treated meat preparations
- Other specifically authorized 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 E243, E 243, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include ethyl lauroyl arginate hydrochloride, LAE. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
An additive's amino-acid-related chemistry does not establish a nutritional benefit. Check the exact food category and limits for E243 instead of assuming it is permitted in every preserved food.
Is E243 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 E243 as Ethyl lauroyl arginate. 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.