Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate

How it’s made and used

• Preservative mold inhibition²

  In lab tests, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate stopped mold growth better than sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, except in one mold.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least one finding in people. When most findings in people point one way, the page leans that way (“Mostly”), and every finding is still shown. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.

Expert panels that weigh all the research. Shown for context: the signal at the top does not count them.

• UN and WHO food additive experts (JECFA), 1973

  Acceptable daily intake: up to 10 mg per kg of body weight.