Eat or Avoid
E234

Nisin

Preservatives

Safety rating

Generally Safe

Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
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Purpose and Function

Nisin is a natural antimicrobial preservative produced by fermentation with Lactococcus lactis, particularly effective against Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium botulinum in dairy, canned foods, and cured meats.

Commonly found in

  • Cheese and dairy desserts
  • Canned low-acid foods
  • Cured meats and sausages

Key functions

  • Inhibits gram-positive bacteria, including Listeria and Clostridium botulinum

Potential Risks and Side Effects

  1. 01Excessive intake could potentially cause mild digestive issues, though rare
  2. 02As a natural fermentation-derived preservative, less likely to cause allergic reactions than synthetic alternatives

References

    Related Additives