What is E235?
Natamycin (E235), also called pimaricin, is a preservative used in specified food applications. Goodnessly rates E235 Safe within its rating system, while product and use conditions still apply.
E235 is natamycin or pimaricin, used mainly on selected cheese surfaces and in other authorised applications.
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What is Natamycin or pimaricin?
Natamycin is a polyene compound produced by fermentation. Its antifungal function supports preservation in defined food uses.
What's it used for?
- Supporting surface preservation
- Helping protect selected cheese products
- Working within food-specific use limits
- Supporting controlled preservation systems
Where you'll find E235 on the shelf
It is most relevant to cheese and certain specialty foods where a surface preservative is authorised.
Is E235 permitted? What the regulators say
E235 is permitted or authorised in the three systems checked, with food-category, purity and use-level conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists natamycin or pimaricin as additive 235; Schedule 15 food-category permissions and conditions apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E235 natamycin for specified surface treatments and conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted for specified use | FDA 21 CFR 172.155 permits natamycin on cheese as an antimycotic, subject to identity, purity and the 20 mg/kg finished-product limit. |
Goodnessly rates E235 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the food category, application and full formulation.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, August 2026 compilation, Schedule 15 and additive 235
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
- FDA 21 CFR 172.155
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People checking preservatives on cheese labels
- People who want to understand surface treatments
- People comparing preservation methods in specialty foods
Goodnessly rates E235 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Natamycin
- Pimaricin
- 235 or E235
- Preservative (235)
Look for natamycin, pimaricin, E235/235 or the preservative class followed by the number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E235?
E235 is natamycin, also called pimaricin, a preservative used in specified food applications.
Is E235 permitted?
E235 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and application still matter.
Why is natamycin rated Safe?
Goodnessly rates E235 Safe within its rating system, while the regulatory category and use conditions still matter.
How does Goodnessly rate E235?
Goodnessly rates E235 (natamycin or pimaricin) as Safe.
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