Nisin
Also listed as E234, Nisin A, and Nisin Z.
This is what the ingredient is.
Nisin is a natural antimicrobial peptide made by bacteria. Food makers use it to help keep dairy and canned foods from spoiling.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
It helps stop certain bacteria from growing. That is why it shows up in some processed cheeses and canned vegetables.
Here is what food agencies say.
The FDA lists nisin as Generally Recognized as Safe. Europe approves it as additive E234. The suggested daily limit is about one milligram per kilogram of body weight.
Here is what research has found.
It is a natural bacteriocin with a long record of food use. The body digests it like other proteins, and at food-use levels it is not known to drive antibiotic resistance.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
At the amounts allowed in food, agencies have not flagged major safety concerns for most people.
Sources
- FDA GRAS
- EFSA E234
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.