Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate

E number E219CAS 5026-62-0

Listed as a preservative by Canada.

Listed as preservatives (CA)
Chemical structure of Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, from PubChem compound 23663626
Structure from PubChem CID 23663626 (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.

Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate is a paraben preservative permitted in the EU in the same short list of foods as the ethyl form, chiefly meat product coatings, snacks, coated nuts and confectionery.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate 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 ZealandNo listed food uses foundThis site has not matched this substance to any food use on this jurisdiction’s list of authorised food additives. A food additive may be used only in foods that list names. Flavourings, enzymes, processing aids and added nutrients are regulated separately and do not appear on it.
CanadaHealth CanadaPermitted, with conditions

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

4 permitted uses

Show every permitted use
  • In: Antifoaming preparations. Purpose: Preservative. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm, calculated as ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid. If used in any combination with methyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoate, propyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoate or sodium salt of propyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid, the total combined amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm, calculated as ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0171. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Preservatives (List 11), item S.13(a)
  • In: Aqueous colour formulations for use in marinades. Purpose: Preservative. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. If used singly, the amount not to exceed 40 ppm in the marinade, calculated as methyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoate. If used in combination with methyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoate, the total combined amount not to exceed 40 ppm in the marinade, calculated as methyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoate. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0171. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Preservatives (List 11), item S.13(b)
  • In: Aqueous colour formulations for use in unstandardized carbonated flavoured beverages, unstandardized confectionery or unstandardized frozen concentrated beverages. Purpose: Preservative. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. If used singly, the amount not to exceed 10 ppm in the food containing the aqueous colour formulation as consumed, calculated as methyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoate. If used in combination with methyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoate, the total combined amount not to exceed 10 ppm in the food containing the aqueous colour formulation as consumed, calculated as methyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoate. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0171. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Preservatives (List 11), item S.13(c)
  • In: Enzyme preparations. Purpose: Preservative. Limit: If used singly, the amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm, calculated as ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid. If used in any combination with methyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoate, propyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoate or sodium salt of propyl-ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid, the total combined amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm, calculated as ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0171. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Preservatives (List 11), item S.13(d)
Health Canada, List of Permitted Preservatives (List 11)and 3 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

8 food categories

highest permitted level 1,500 mg/kg

Show every food category
  • 11.4.1 table-top sweeteners in liquid form — 500 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Sorbic acid - potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid - benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates. ML = 500 mg/kg. only if the water content higher than 75%. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination.
  • 15.1 Potato- cereal- flour- or starch-based snacks — 1,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Sorbic acid - potassium sorbate; p-hydroxybenzoates. ML = 1000 mg/kg.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — 1,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Sorbic acid - potassium sorbate; p-hydroxybenzoates. ML = 1000 mg/kg. only coated nuts.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets — 1,500 mg/lPermitted as a member of Sorbic acid - potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid - benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates. ML = 1500 mg/l. except candied, crystallized or glacé fruit and vegetables.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — 1,500 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Sorbic acid - potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid - benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates. ML = 1500 mg/kg. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination.
  • 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated processed meat — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Sorbic acid - potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid - benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates. quantum satis. only surface treatment of dried meat products. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination.
  • 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products — 1,000 mg/kgPermitted as a member of Sorbic acid - potassium sorbate; p-hydroxybenzoates. ML = 1000 mg/kg. Only patè.
  • 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Sorbic acid - potassium sorbate; Benzoic acid - benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates. quantum satis. only surface treatment of dried meat products. Note 1: The additives may be added individually or in combination.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex IIand 7 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

9 food categories

highest permitted level 1,500 mg/kg or mg/l

Show every food category
  • 11.4.1 Table-top sweeteners in liquid form — 500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB). ML = 500. only if the water content higher than 75 %. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid.
  • 15.1 Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 200 – 202; 214 – 219: Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + PHB). ML = 1000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid. Note (5): E 214-219: p-hydroxybenzoates (PHB), maximum 300 mg/kg.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 200 – 202; 214 – 219: Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + PHB). ML = 1000. only coated nuts. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid. Note (5): E 214-219: p-hydroxybenzoates (PHB), maximum 300 mg/kg.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets — 1,500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB). ML = 1500. except candied, crystallized or glacé fruit and vegetables. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid. Note (5): E 214-219: p-hydroxybenzoates (PHB), maximum 300 mg/kg.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — 1,500 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB). ML = 1500. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid. Note (5): E 214-219: p-hydroxybenzoates (PHB), maximum 300 mg/kg.
  • 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated meat products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB). quantum satis. only surface treatment of dried meat products. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid.
  • 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 200 – 202; 214 – 219: Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + PHB). ML = 1000. only pâté. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid.
  • 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB). quantum satis. only surface treatment of dried meat products. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — 1,000 mg/kg or mg/lPermitted as a member of E 200 – 202; 214 – 219: Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + PHB). ML = 1000. only jelly coatings of meat products (cooked, cured or dried). Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid.
Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)and 8 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyNo listing matchedThis site imports only Japan’s list of designated additives (Appended Table 1 to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act), matched by English name. Existing additives, natural flavouring agents and ordinary foods used as additives are permitted outside that list and are not imported, so an empty row does not show that Japan does not permit the substance.
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyNo listing matchedThis site imports Part III of South Korea’s Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, matched by CAS number, then INS number, then exact name. Mixed preparations and sanitisers are not imported, and an entry whose identifiers disagreed with a page’s is held for review, so an empty row does not show that South Korea does not permit the substance.
United StatesFood and Drug AdministrationNot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFANot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.

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.

Canada—2 GMP, 2 no quantity stated
European Union500 mg/kg – 1,500 mg/kg6 numeric limit, 2 quantum satis
Great Britain500 mg/kg – 1,500 mg/kg7 numeric limit, 2 quantum satis

What it is made from

Made by reacting para-hydroxybenzoic acid with methanol and converting the ester to its sodium salt.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number
5026-62-0
InChIKey
PESXGULMKCKJCC-UHFFFAOYSA-M
PubChem
CID 23663626

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 219 SODIUM METHYL p-HYDROXYBENZOATE

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Chemical name
Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate; Sodium compound of the methylester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid
Chemical formula
C₈H₇O₃Na
Molecular weight
174,15
Assay
Content not less than 99,5 % on the anhydrous basis
Description
White, hygroscopic powder

Identification

Melting range
The white precipitate formed by acidifying with hydrochloric acid a 10 % (w/v) aqueous solution of the sodium derivative of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (using litmus paper as indicator) shall, when washed with water and dried at 80 °C for two hours, have a melting range of 125 °C to 128 °C
Test for sodium
Passes test
pH
9,7-10,3 (0,1 % solution in carbon dioxide free water)

Purity criteria

Water content
Not more than 5 % (Karl Fischer method)
Sulphated ash
40 % to 44,5 % on the anhydrous basis
p-Hydroxybenzoic acid and salicylic acid
Not more than 0,35 % expressed as p-hydroxybenzoic acid
Arsenic
Not more than 3 mg/kg
Lead
Not more than 2 mg/kg
Mercury
Not more than 1 mg/kg

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 219

Authorised in other additives, enzymes, flavourings and nutrients

These authorisations are not for use in food. They let this substance be used inside another additive, a food enzyme, a flavouring or a nutrient preparation — often as a carrier — and it reaches food only as part of that product. Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.

PartMay be used inMaximum levelCitation
Annex III, Part 3: Food additives including carriers in food enzymesFood enzymesNote (1): Including enzymes authorised as food additives.In enzyme preparation: 2 000 mg/kg (singly or in combination expressed as the free acid) In final food except beverages: 2 mg/kg In beverages: 1 mg/lRegulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 3

Every name it appears under

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

E number

  • E219

CAS registry number

  • 5026-62-0

As it appears in regulation

  • Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate

Other names

  • 4-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester sodium salt
  • 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid-methyl ester sodium
  • BENZOIC ACID, p-HYDROXY-, METHYL ESTER, SODIUM DERIV.
  • Bonomold OMNa
  • CR6K9C2NHK
  • E 219
  • Methyl 4-hydroxy
  • Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate sodium
  • Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate sodium salt, tested according to Ph.Eur.
  • Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt
  • Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, sodium salt
  • methyl paraben sodium
  • Methylis parahydroxybenzoas natricum
  • Methylparaben sodium
  • Methylparaben sodium (NF)
  • Methylparaben, sodium salt
  • Nipagin m sodium
  • Nipagin Monosodium
  • Paratexin ms
  • Paridol mna
  • Preserval MS
  • Sodium 4-(methoxycarbonyl)phenolate
  • Sodium 4-carbomethoxyphenolate
  • sodium 4carbomethoxyphenolate
  • Sodium methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
  • sodium methyl hydroxybenzoate
  • Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
  • SODIUM METHYL P-HYDROXYBENZOATE ( E 219)
  • sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate
  • sodium methyl paraben
  • Sodium Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate
  • Sodium Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate; SKF-4382-Z
  • Sodium methylparaben
  • Sodium methylparaben, 99%
  • Sodium nipagin
  • Sodium p-methoxycarbonylphenolate
  • Sodium p-methoxycarbonylphenoxide
  • Sodium, (p-carboxyphenoxy)-, methyl ester
  • sodium;4-methoxycarbonylphenolate
  • Solbrol m sodium salt
  • Solparol

Systematic names

  • Sodium 4-methoxycarbonylphenolate

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 “Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate”, against the words “Re-evaluation completed on 13 July 2004”, and therefore not re-evaluated again under it.

Hazard reference values

No reference value for this substance in the sources we hold.

Evidence and how bodies read it

Studies, and the differing conclusions regulators drew from them, are curated rather than machine-read, and none has been written for this substance yet.

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 219?
E 219 is Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate. Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate is a paraben preservative permitted in the EU in the same short list of foods as the ethyl form, chiefly meat product coatings, snacks, coated nuts and confectionery.
What is Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate used for in food?
It is listed as a preservative — the role Canada assigns it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, Canada, the EU and Great Britain 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 Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate vegan?
Yes. Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • ca retrieved 2026-10-17
  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18

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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