E235 - Natamycin

Functions: Preservative

Natamycin, also known as pimaricin, is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections around the eye. This includes infections of the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. It is used as eyedrops. Natamycin is also used in the food industry as a preservative.Allergic reactions may occur. It is unclear if medical use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is safe. It is in the macrolide and polyene families of medications. It results in fungal death by altering the cell membrane.Natamycin was discovered in 1955 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1978. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. The wholesale cost in the developing world is between US$92.90 and 126.72 per 5-ml bottle as of 2015. It is produced by fermentation of the bacterium Streptomyces natalensis. - Wikipedia

EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the use of natamycin -E 235- as a food additive (2009-12-14)