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Natamycin (E235) — What You Need to Know

Generally Safe(7/10)Natural

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Natamycin?

Natamycin, also known as pimaricin, is a natural antifungal compound produced by the soil bacterium Streptomyces natalensis through fermentation. It is a polyene macrolide antibiotic used at very low concentrations as a surface treatment to prevent mould growth on cheese and cured meats. It is not absorbed through the intact gastrointestinal tract.

What Is It Used For?

Applied as a surface treatment on cheese rinds and sausage casings to prevent mould and yeast growth. Used at very low concentrations to extend the shelf life of dairy and cured meat products without affecting flavour or appearance.

Function: Preservative, antifungal agent
0.1 mg
Dataset exposure estimate
21 mg
ADI-derived reference (70 kg)
0.5%
of ADI (typical diet)

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
0.3 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS (approved for cheese surface treatment)
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Authorized — evaluated in 2009, confirmed safe at approved levels
⚠️ Key Concerns

Polyene macrolide antifungal antibiotic used at very low concentrations (surface treatment only). WHO raised concern about potential contribution to antimicrobial resistance, but EFSA concluded in 2009 that use at approved levels does not contribute to resistance. Very low ADI (0.3 mg/kg bw/day) reflects caution. Not absorbed through intact GI tract. Limited to surface treatment of cheese and sausages in EU.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Natamycin an editorial context label of Generally Safe with a score of 7/10. This is 1.3 points above the database average for preservatives (5.7/10). Dataset reference year: 2009. The dataset's population estimate equals about 0.5% of the listed ADI.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Cheese rindsSausage casingsDried cured meatsYogurtBeverages
Example brands:
BabybelCastelloPrésident

Always check the label for E235 or 'Natamycin'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C33H47NO13
Molecular Weight: 665.73 g/mol
CAS Number: 7681-93-8
INS Number: 235
Also known as: E235, INS 235, Pimaricin, Natamycin

Frequently Asked Questions about Natamycin

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS (approved for cheese surface treatment); EFSA/EU — Authorized — evaluated in 2009, confirmed safe at approved levels. Reported concerns: Polyene macrolide antifungal antibiotic used at very low concentrations (surface treatment only). WHO raised concern about potential contribution to antimicrobial resistance, but EFSA concluded in 2009 that use at approved levels does not contribute to resistance. Very low ADI (0.3 mg/kg bw/day) reflects caution. Not absorbed through intact GI tract. Limited to surface treatment of cheese and sausages in EU. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E235
INS Number
235
Category
Preservatives
Origin
Natural
FDA Status
GRAS (approved for cheese surface treatment)
EFSA Status
Authorized — evaluated in 2009, confirmed safe at approved levels
ADI
0.3 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2009
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

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Nisin (E234)Sorbic Acid (E200)Potassium Sorbate (E202)