E214 - Ethyl P-hydroxybenzoate

Author: Marko Balašević Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

Characteristics: In terms of physical properties, E 214 is a white powder that has a mild anesthetic effect on the tongue. Ethyl p-hydroxy benzoate is obtained by the interaction between sodium pheno

Characteristic:

In terms of physical properties, E 214 is a white powder that has a mild anesthetic effect on the tongue. Ethyl p-hydroxy benzoate is obtained by the reaction between sodium phenolate and carbon dioxide, which are under pressure (carboxylation), salicylic acid is separated and the residue is treated with ethyl alcohol or ethyl chloride. There are impurities of acids (salicylic and benzoic), phenolates.

Usage:

E 214 is extremely rarely used in the food industry because it changes the taste of products and is a strong allergen. It is more often used in cosmetics and perfumery.

Ethyl p-hydroxy benzoate is used to extend the shelf life of food products and raw materials with a slightly acidic environment (dairy desserts, confectionery fillings), sometimes as a preservative for soups and broths (in combination with sorbic acid and its salts), for confectionery (in combination with benzoic acid, its salts and sorbic acid).

The additive is used in the processing of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, for the preservation of which no acid can be used.

E 214 is approved for use in cosmetics in some EU countries, but its amount should not exceed 0.4%. The preservative is banned in France and Australia.

Human effects:

Esters of this acid are not altered in the body during metabolism and are excreted by the kidneys in their original form. They have an adverse effect on humans, causing contact dermatitis and irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes.

According to some sources, the permissible daily amount of E 214 is 10 mg per 1 kg of body weight. The supplement is not fully certified and there is no accurate information, but based on research conducted so far, the substance is dangerous to health because it can lead to cancer. Not recommended for use by children.

E214 - Ethyl P-hydroxybenzoate

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