Learn Glossary preservative

Nisin(E234)

Level 3ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Nisin is a preservative — Antimicrobial additive from Streptococcus lactis used as preservative in cheese, dairy, canned vegetables

What it does

Antimicrobial additive from Streptococcus lactis used as preservative in cheese, dairy, canned vegetables

Where you'll see it

cheese spreads, semolina, clotted cream, processed dairy products, surface treatment of cheese, dried/cured sausages, canned vegetables

What the research says

European Parliament 2003 warned it should not be used because of potential to cause antibiotic resistance in humans.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • EU: approved
  • Notes: European Parliament 2003 said should not be used because may cause antibiotic resistance in humans

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): the European Parliament said in 2003 that nisin should not be used because it may cause resistance to antibiotics in humans