Natamycin (pimaricin)

E number E235INS 235CAS 7681-93-8

Listed as a preservative by Canada and Codex.

Listed as preservatives (CA, Codex)
Chemical structure of Natamycin (pimaricin), from PubChem compound 5284447
Structure from PubChem CID 5284447 (National Library of Medicine, public domain). A depiction of one compound: where a listing covers a family, or a substance has no single structure, this page shows none.

Natamycin is an antifungal used on the surface of cheese and cured sausage, where it stops mould without affecting the bacteria the product needs to ripen. It stays on the surface rather than penetrating.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Natamycin (pimaricin) by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
JurisdictionStatusScope and limitsCitation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New ZealandPermitted, with conditions

2 food categories

highest permitted level 15 mg/kg

Show every food category
  • 1.6 Cheese and cheese products — 15 mg/kgOn cheese surfaces, based on individual cheese weight.
  • 8.3.1 Fermented, uncooked processed comminuted meat products — 1.2 mg/dm²When determined in a surface sample taken to a depth of not less than 3 mm and not more than 5 mm including the casing, applied to the surface of food.
Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, S15—5and 1 further provisionretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth CanadaPermitted, with conditions

highest permitted level 20 mg/kg

4 permitted uses

Show every permitted use
  • In: Cheddar cheese; (Naming the variety) cheese. Purpose: Preservative. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. To be applied to the surface of the cheese. The amount not to exceed 20 ppm in the cheese. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Preservatives (List 11), item N.1(a)
  • In: Cream cheese; Cream cheese spread; Cream cheese spread with (naming the added ingredients); Cream cheese with (naming the added ingredients); Unstandardized cream cheese products; Ranch-flavoured dips; Ranch-flavoured dressings for salads. Purpose: Preservative. Limit: 10 ppm. Amendment notices: M-FAA-24-06. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Preservatives (List 11), item N.1(b)
  • In: Grated or shredded cheddar cheese; Grated or shredded (naming the variety) cheese. Purpose: Preservative. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. To be applied to the surface of the grated or shredded cheese. The amount not to exceed 10 ppm in the grated or shredded cheese. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Preservatives (List 11), item N.1(c)
  • In: Unstandardized processed cheese products. Purpose: Preservative. Limit: 20 ppm. Amendment notices: M-FAA-24-06. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Preservatives (List 11), item N.1(d)
Health Canada, List of Permitted Preservatives (List 11)and 3 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

4 food categories

highest permitted level 1 mg/dm²

Show every food category
  • 1.7.2 ripened cheese — 1 mg/dm²ML = 1 mg/dm². surface (not present at a depth of 5 mm). Only for the external treatment of uncut hard, semi-hard and semi-soft cheese.
  • 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — 1 mg/dm²ML = 1 mg/dm². surface (not present at a depth of 5 mm). Only for the external treatment of uncut hard, semi-hard and semi-soft cheese.
  • 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated processed meat — 1 mg/kgML = 1 mg/kg. only surface treatment of dried cured sausages. Note 8: mg/dm 2 surface (not present at a depth of 5 mm).
  • 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products — 1 mg/kgML = 1 mg/kg. only surface treatment of dried cured sausages. Note 8: mg/dm 2 surface (not present at a depth of 5 mm).
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex IIand 3 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

4 food categories

highest permitted level 1 mg/kg or mg/l

Show every food category
  • 1.7.2 Ripened cheeseMaximum level: 1 mg/dm 2 surface (not present at a depth of 5 mm). only for the external treatment of uncut hard, semi-hard and semi-soft cheese.
  • 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16)Maximum level: 1 mg/dm 2 surface (not present at a depth of 5 mm). only for the external treatment of uncut hard, semi-hard and semi-soft products.
  • 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated meat products — 1 mg/kg or mg/lML = 1. only surface treatment of dried cured sausages. Note (8): mg/dm 2 surface, not present at a depth of 5 mm.
  • 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products — 1 mg/kg or mg/lML = 1. only surface treatment of dried cured sausages. Note (8): mg/dm 2 surface (not present at a depth of 5 mm).
Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008and 3 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyPermitted, with conditions
Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 287, ナタマイシン(別名ピマリシン) (“Natamycin (Pimaricin)” in the unofficial English translation). …

Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 287, ナタマイシン(別名ピマリシン) (“Natamycin (Pimaricin)” in the unofficial English translation). Standards for use — Specifications and Standards for Foods, Food Additives, etc. (MHW Notification No. 370 of 1959), Part II (Food Additives), F (Standards for use), entry ナタマイシン: (1) [may be used only in the foods stated] “ナタマイシンは、ナチュラルチーズ(ハード及びセミハードの表面部分に限る。)以外の食品に使用してはならない。” (2) [limits how much may remain in the foods stated] “ナタマイシンは、食品の1kgにつき0.020g以上残存しないように使用しなければならない。” The Japanese is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the Notification; the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications for this additive, in the same Notification, are not imported and are not shown here; nor are the general rules in F 添加物一般, which apply to every additive.

Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act (MHW Ordinance No. 23 of 1948), Appended Table 1retrieved 2026-10-18
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyPermitted, with conditions
Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. …

Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 나타마이신 (“Natamycin”, the English the Code prints beside it). Main use (주용도) of 나타마이신: 보존료. Standard for use (사용기준) of 나타마이신: (1) [may be used only for the purpose or in the food the sentence states; sets a limit on the amount used] “나타마이신은 치즈류의 표면에 한하여 사용하여야 한다. 나타마이신의 사용량은 1mg/dm2 이하이어야 하며, 표면으로부터 깊이 5mm이상에서는 검출되어서는 아니 된다” (2) “(0.020g/kg이하).” The Korean is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the current Code (the English version on MFDS’s website is the 2020 edition and has no legal effect); the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications (Part IV) are not imported, nor are the general standards in Part II, which apply to every additive.

Standards and Specifications for Food Additives (식품첨가물의 기준 및 규격), MFDS Notification, Part III (Standards for use, by item)retrieved 2026-10-18
United StatesFood and Drug AdministrationPermitted, with conditions21 CFR 172.155retrieved 2026-10-17
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFAPermitted, with conditions

7 food categories

highest permitted level 40 mg/kg

Show every food category and its notes
  • 01.6.1 Unripened cheese — 40 mg/kg
    • Note 3 For use in surface treatment only.
    • Note 80 Equivalent to 2 mg/dm2 surface application to a maximum depth of 5 mm.
    • Note 486 Except for use in the surface treatment of sliced, cut, shredded, and grated cheese products conforming to the Group Standard for Unripened Cheese including Fresh Cheese (CXS 221-2001): at 20 mg/kg applied to the surface, added during kneading and stretching process.
    • Note 561 Includes use in products conforming to the Standard for Mozzarella (CXS 262-2006) except for the surface treatment of high moisture products packaged in liquid, noting the functional class table in CXS 262-2006.
    • Note XS273 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cottage Cheese (CXS 273-1968).
    • Note XS275 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cream Cheese (CXS 275-1973).
  • 01.6.2 Ripened cheese — 40 mg/kg
    • Note 3 For use in surface treatment only.
    • Note 80 Equivalent to 2 mg/dm2 surface application to a maximum depth of 5 mm.
    • Note XS208 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cheese in Brine (CODEX STAN 208-1999).
    • Note XS274 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Coulommiers (CXS 274-1969).
    • Note XS276 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Camembert (CXS 276-1973).
    • Note XS277 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Brie (CXS 277-1973).
    • Note XS278 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Extra Hard Grating Cheese (CXS 278-1978).
  • 01.6.4 Processed cheese — 40 mg/kg
    • Note 3 For use in surface treatment only.
    • Note 80 Equivalent to 2 mg/dm2 surface application to a maximum depth of 5 mm.
  • 01.6.5 Cheese analogues — 40 mg/kg
    • Note 3 For use in surface treatment only.
    • Note 80 Equivalent to 2 mg/dm2 surface application to a maximum depth of 5 mm.
  • 01.6.6 Whey protein cheese — 40 mg/kg
    • Note 3 For use in surface treatment only.
    • Note 80 Equivalent to 2 mg/dm2 surface application to a maximum depth of 5 mm.
  • 08.2.1.2 Cured (including salted) and dried non-heat treated processed meat, poultry, and game products in whole pieces or cuts — 6 mg/kg
  • 08.3.1.2 Cured (including salted) and dried non-heat treated processed comminuted meat, poultry, and game products — 20 mg/kg
    • Note 3 For use in surface treatment only.
    • Note 81 Equivalent to 1 mg/dm2 surface application to a maximum depth of 5 mm.
CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 235and 6 further provisionsretrieved 2026-09-07

How much is permitted

A listing usually limits the quantity as well as the food. Only one of the forms that takes is a figure: quantum satis and good manufacturing practice permit the amount the technological effect requires and no more, which is a limit rather than the absence of one. Figures below are the range across every food category this page is listed in, and categories differ between regulators — see how much is permitted.

Australia and New Zealand15 mg/kg2 numeric limit
Canada10 mg/kg – 20 mg/kg2 numeric limit, 2 GMP
European Union1 mg/kg4 numeric limit
Great Britain1 mg/kg2 numeric limit, 2 no quantity stated
Japan—1 no quantity stated
South Korea—1 no quantity stated
United States—1 no quantity stated
Codex Alimentarius6 mg/kg – 40 mg/kg7 numeric limit

GRAS notices to the FDA

A GRAS notice is a company’s conclusion that a substance is generally recognised as safe for the use it describes. FDA’s letter responds to that conclusion, for that notifier and that use. It is not a listing in 21 CFR, and it is not counted as a US permission above. The substance and use are as FDA’s inventory words them; this site matched the notice to this page by exact name.

  • GRN No. 578 · Natamycin · DM Food Specialties B.V

    Intended use: For use in ready-to-drink tea beverages, fruit flavored energy drinks, sport and isotonic drinks, and fruit flavored beverages at levels not to exceed 5 parts per million.

    FDA’s response (2015-11-06): FDA has no questions

  • GRN No. 517 · Natamycin · DSM Food Specialties B.V.

    Intended use: For use as an inhibitor against yeast and mold growth in yogurt at levels not to exceed 5 ppm in the finished product.

    FDA’s response (2014-11-21): FDA has no questions

What it is made from

Produced by fermenting the bacterium Streptomyces natalensis. It is a medical antifungal as well as a food preservative, which is why its food use is tightly limited.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number
7681-93-8
InChIKey
NCXMLFZGDNKEPB-FFPOYIOWSA-N
PubChem
CID 5284447

The two specifications, compared

The European Union sets identity and purity by regulation; JECFA publishes its own through FAO, advisory until a country adopts it. Both documents are below in full. These are the parameters each puts a number on.

ParameterEuropean UnionJECFA
Assayno less than 95 %no less than 95 %
Loss on dryingno more than 8 %—
Sulphated ashno more than 0.5 %no more than 0.5 %
Leadno more than 2 mg/kgno more than 2 mg/kg
Arsenicno more than 3 mg/kgno more than 1 mg/kg
Mercuryno more than 1 mg/kg—

One parameter differs between the two documents. A difference is not a disagreement about safety: the two are revised on their own cycles, and an assay or a drying loss can be measured against a different preparation of the substance, which is why only the contaminant ceilings are marked. Within the EU the EU's figure is the one that binds.

How the EU defines it

The legal specification an additive must meet to be sold as this E number in the EU — what it is, how it may be made, and the purity it must reach. From Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

E 235 Natamycin

Natamycin is a fungicide of the polyene macrolide group, and is produced by strains of Streptomyces natalensis and other relevant species

Synonyms: Pimaricin

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Einecs
231-683-5
Chemical name
A stereoisomer of 22-(3-Amino-3,6-dideoxy-β-D- mannopyranosyloxy)-1,3,26-trihydroxy-12-methyl-10-oxo-6,11,28-trioxatricyclo[22.3.1.05,7]octacosa-8,14,16,18,20-pentaene-25-carboxylic acid.
Chemical formula
C₃₃H₄₇O₁₃N
Molecular weight
665,74
Assay
Content not less than 95 % on the dried basis
Description
White to creamy-white crystalline powder

Identification

Colour reactions
On adding a few crystals of natamycin on a spot plate, to a drop of: concentrated hydrochloric acid, a blue colour develops, concentrated phosphoric acid, a green colour develops,which changes into pale red after a few minutes
Spectrometry
A 0,0005 % w/v solution in 1 % methanolic acetic acid solution has absorption maxima at about 290 nm, 303 nm and 318 nm, a shoulder at about 280 nm and exhibits minima at about 250 nm, 295,5 nm and 311 nm
pH
5,5-7,5 (1 % w/v solution in previously neutralised mixture of 20 parts dimethylformamide and 80 parts of water)
Specific rotation
[α]D ²⁰ + 250° to + 295° (a 1 % w/v solution in glacial acetic acid, at 20 °C and calculated with reference to the dried material)

Purity criteria

Loss on drying
Not more than 8 % (over P₂O₅, in vacuum at 60 °C to constant weight)
Sulphated ash
Not more than 0,5 %
Arsenic
Not more than 3 mg/kg
Lead
Not more than 2 mg/kg
Mercury
Not more than 1 mg/kg
Microbiological criteria: Total plate count
Not more than 100 colonies per gram

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 235

How JECFA defines it

The international specification for identity and purity, prepared by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and published by FAO. It is a different document from any above, written by a different body and revised on its own cycle; it is advisory, and a country adopts it or does not.

INS 235 Natamycin

A fungicidal antimycotic of the polyene macrolide group. It is produced by several species of Streptomyces. The commercial product may contain up to three moles of water.

Synonyms: Pimaricin; INS No. 235

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history
Revised specifications prepared at the 99th JECFA (2024) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 34 (2025) superseding specifications prepared at the 61st JECFA (2003) and published in FNP 52 Add 11 (2003). The Committee reaffirmed the ADI of 0- 0.3 mg/kg bw established at the 20th JECFA (1976).
Chemical names
A stereoisomer of 22-(3-Amino-3,6-dideoxy-β-D-mannopyranosyloxy)- 1,3,26-trihydroxy-12-methyl-10-oxo-6,11, 28-trioxatricyclo[22.3.1.0 5,7 ] octacosa-8,14,16,18,20-pentaene-25-carboxylic acid
C.A.S. number
7681-93-8
Chemical formula
C 33 H 47 NO 13
Structural formula
COOH
Formula weight
665.74
Assay
Not less than 95.0% calculated on the dried basis
DESCRIPTION
White to creamy-white, almost odourless, crystalline powder
FUNCTIONAL USES
Fungicidal preservative

Identification

Solubility (Vol. 4)
Practically insoluble in water, in lipid and in mineral oils; slightly soluble in methanol; soluble in glacial acetic acid and dimethylformamide.
Colour reaction
On adding a few crystals of the sample, on a spot plate, to a drop of - concentrated hydrochloric acid, a blue colour develops; - concentrated phosphoric acid, a green colour develops, which changes into pale-red after a few minutes
Infrared absorption
The infrared spectrum of a potassium bromide dispersion of the sample corresponds with the reference infrared spectrum in Appendix A (Main bands: 3 000-2 500 cm -1 Alcohol/Phenol O-H Stretch, 1716 cm -1 Carboxylic Acid C=O Stretch; 1570 cm -1 N-H bending of a primary amine).
Ultraviolet absorption (Vol. 4)
A solution of 5 mg/l of the sample in 0.1% glacial acetic acid in methanol has absorption maxima at about 290, 303 and 318 nm, a shoulder at about 280 nm and exhibits minima at about 250, 295.5 and 311 nm.

Purity criteria

Loss on drying (Vol. 4) Specific rotation (Vol. 4)
Not more than 8.0% (60 °C, over P 2 O 5 , pressure less than 5 mm Hg) α 20 D + 250° to + 295° (1% w/v solution in glacial acetic acid)
pH (Vol. 4)
5.0 - 7.5 (1.0% w/v suspension in deionized water)
Sulfated ash (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.5% Test 2 g of the sample (Method I)
Arsenic (Vol. 4)
Not more than 1 mg/kg Determine using a method appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4
Lead (Vol. 4)
Not more than 2 mg/kg Determine using a method appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4.
Transglucosidase activity
The purity of natamycin can be determined both spectrophotometrically and by HPLC. Data must be expressed as percentage on dry basis. If the process can take to the formation of natamycin methyl ester, the HPLC method must be used and the resolution of the two peaks of natamycin and natamycin methyl ester must be guaranteed. (Note: Throughout this Assay , protect from direct light all solutions containing natamycin) REAGENTS Methanol (analytical or spectrophotometric grade, ≥99.9%); Aqueous methanol (mixing methanol and water (2+1 (v/v)); natamycin reference standard (minimum 95%). NATAMYCIN STANDARD SOLUTIONS Immediately before use, dissolve in a 100 ml volumetric flask, containing methanol, a known amount (50 mg) of standard natamycin, make up to the mark (solution A1); In a 50 ml volumetric flask, dilute 5 ml of solution A1 to 50 ml using the methanol-water solution (Solution B1); In a 50 ml volumetric flask, dilute 5 ml of solution B1 to 50 ml using the methanol-water solution to obtain the final standard natamycin (Solution C1): 5 mg/l of natamycin. ASSAY PREPARATION Immediately before use, dissolve in a 100 ml volumetric flask, containing methanol, a known amount (50 mg) of the unknown sample of natamycin (solution A2), proceed as described in Natamycin standard solution to obtain solutions B2 and C2 for the unknown sample. Filter both solutions (standard and assay) through a syringe filter (0.45 μm) to obtain at least 3 ml of filtrate. Discharge the first drops. SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION y Calibration: Record the spectrum of the Natamycin standard (Solution C1) in the range 300-340 nm, using the methanol-water solution as a blank. The spectrum should show a fingerprint with maxima at: 290, 303 and 318 nm, and minima at: 311 and 329 nm, respectively. Both the maximum and minimum values may vary slightly because of apparatus and solvents. y Sample solution: Analogously to the standard solution, record the spectrum of the Natamycin unknown (Solution C2) in the range 300-340 nm, always using the methanol-water solution as a blank. y Measure the absorbances, of both solutions, at 318 nm and at 311 and 329 nm, respectively. y Read the net absorbances as: Net Abs = Abs318nm - ²/ 3 Abs311nm - 1 / 3 Abs329nm, both for unknown sample and standard of natamycin. y Calculate the concentration of natamycin in the unknown sample (mg/ kg) as: mg V(ml) NetAbs unknown sample mg
Natamycin
( ) = × × natamicin standard ( ) kg Wsample(g) NetAbs natamicin standard kg ALTERNATE METHOD HPLC DETERMINATION: Apparatus: y HPLC equipped with an UV-Vis or Diode Array Detector (DAD); solvents HPLC purity grade. Procedure: y Mobile phase: 30% acetonitrile-70% acidified water (0.1% glacial acetic) v/v y Flow rate: isocratic at 0.8 mi/min y Detector: DAD, ranges 250-360 nm, Quantitative at 305 nm. y Column: RP-18, 250 mmx4.6 mm id, 5μm packed material, complete of guard column. y Expected Retention Time: about 6 minutes. y External HPLC calibration curve and retention time of natamycin: Pipet, into a series of 50 ml volumetric flasks, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 ml of standard natamycin (solution C1) and make up to the mark with the methanol-water solution to obtain standard solutions containing: 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 mg/l of natamycin, respectively. Filter through a syringe filter (0.45μm) and inject into the HPLC. Establish the retention time of natamycin and build a calibration curve. Express natamycin in mg/kg. y Sample injection: Inject the same aliquot of the sample (solution C2) into the HPLC, measure the area of the corresponding natamycin peak. Substitute it in the calibration curve to obtain the corresponding concentration of natamycin in the unknown sample. y Adjust the injection volumes and dilutions of the samples to ensure that the response remains within the linear response range of the DAD detector. Appendix 1
4000 3000
2000 1500 1000 600 Wavenuber [cm -1 ]

FAO JECFA Monograph 34 (2025)

Every name it appears under

59 recorded names. A label may use any of them.

E number

  • E235

INS number

  • 235

CAS registry number

  • 7681-93-8

As it appears in regulation

  • Natamycin
  • Natamycin (pimaricin)

Other names

  • 0(5,7)]octacosa-8,14,16,18,20-pentaene-25-carboxylic ac
  • 73 - Natamycin (pimaricin) in cheese
  • 8O0C852CPO
  • Antibiotic A-5283
  • Delvocid
  • Delvolan
  • Delvopos
  • E 235
  • Fermentation product from Streptomyces chattanoogensis
  • INS NO.235
  • INS-235
  • Mycophyt
  • Myprozine
  • Natacyn
  • Natafucin
  • Natamicina
  • Natamycin
  • Natamycin (Standard)
  • Natamycin(Pimaricin)
  • Natamycin, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
  • Natamycin, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
  • Natamycin, VETRANAL(TM), analytical standard
  • Natamycine
  • Natamycinum
  • NCXMLFZGDNKEPB-FFPOYIOWSA-N
  • NICOTINAMIDE_ADENINE_DINUCLEOTIDE
  • Pimafucin
  • Pimafugin;
  • Pimaracin
  • Pimaricin
  • Pimaricin 100 |Ig/mL in Water
  • Pimaricin preparation, ~2.5%, aqueous suspension
  • Pimaricin, from Streptomyces chattanoogensis, >=95% (HPLC)
  • Pimaricin; Natamycin
  • Pimaricine
  • Pimarizin
  • Synogil
  • Tennecetin
  • Tymasil

Systematic names

  • (1R,3S,5R,7R,8E,12R,14E,16E,18E,20E,22R,24S,25R,26S)-22-(((2R,3S,4S,5S,6R)-4-amino-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)-1,3,26-trihydroxy-12-methyl-10-oxo-6,11,28-trioxatricyclo[22.3.1.
  • (1R,3S,5R,7R,8E,12R,14E,16E,18E,20E,22R,24S,25R,26S)-22-{[(2R,3S,4S,5S,6R)-4-amino-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy}-1,3,26-trihydroxy-12-methyl-10-oxo-6,11,28-trioxatricyclo[22.3.1.0^{5,7}]octacosa-8,14,16,18,20-pentaene-25-carboxylic acid
  • 16-(3-Amino-3,6-didesoxy-beta-D-mannopyranosyloxy)-5,6-epoxy-8,12,14-trihydroxy-26-methyl-2,10-dioxo-1-oxacyclohexacosa-3,17,19,21,23-pentaen-13-carbonsaeure
  • Stereoisomer of 22-((3-amino-3,6-dideoxy-beta-D-mannopyranosyl)oxy)-1,3,26-trihydroxy-12-methyl-10-oxo-6,11,28-trioxatricyclo(22.3.1.0(sup 5,7))octacosa-8,14,16,18,20-pentaene-25-carboxylic acid

The EU re-evaluation programme

Every additive authorised in the EU before 20 January 2009 was put back through EFSA by Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010, and this one is named in it. What the Regulation required is below; whether the opinion has since been published is not something this site records.

  • Already re-evaluated when the programme began. Listed in Annex I as “Natamycin”, against the words “Re-evaluation completed on 26 November 2009”, and therefore not re-evaluated again under it.

Hazard reference values

Values set by assessing bodies. A body that has not set a value is not listed here.
TypeValuePopulationAssessed byOpinion
ADI0.3 mg/kg bw/day—JECFA2024

Evidence and how bodies read it

What assessing bodies concluded

Each conclusion is paraphrased in the body's own framing, from the published opinion linked beneath it. Where bodies differ, both stand; this site does not adjudicate between them or add a view of its own.

  1. EFSA 2009

    The ANS Panel considered the data on natamycin (E 235) not robust enough to derive an ADI, but concluded that, given very poor absorption and an adequate margin of safety, its use only for surface treatment of the rind of semi-hard and semi-soft cheese and of certain sausage casings is not of safety concern. It also found no concern for the induction of antimicrobial resistance.

    Source document

Common questions

Assembled from what is above, in the words the questions are usually asked in. Each answer is the same statement the relevant section makes, with the same citations behind it.

What is E 235?
E 235 is Natamycin (pimaricin). Natamycin is an antifungal used on the surface of cheese and cured sausage, where it stops mould without affecting the bacteria the product needs to ripen. It stays on the surface rather than penetrating.
What is Natamycin (pimaricin) used for in food?
It is listed as a preservative — the role Canada and Codex assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Natamycin (pimaricin) permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the EU, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, the US and the Codex standard permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.
Is Natamycin (pimaricin) vegan?
Yes. Natamycin (pimaricin) is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • anz retrieved 2026-10-17
  • ca retrieved 2026-10-17
  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • jp retrieved 2026-10-18
  • kr retrieved 2026-10-18
  • ecfr retrieved 2026-10-17
  • gsfa retrieved 2026-09-07
  • euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18
  • jecfaspecs retrieved 2026-09-23

Full licence terms and publisher details on Sources. How this page is built and updated: Method.

Machine-readable: a JSON record of this additive is given on request —how to ask for access.

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