Natamycin (E235) — Food-Grade Antifungal Preservative
Product Overview
Natamycin — EU number E235, international numbering INS 235, CAS 7681-93-8, synonym pimaricin, formula C₃₃H₄₇NO₁₃, molecular weight 665.74 — is a natural polyene macrolide antifungal agent produced by fermentation of Streptomyces natalensis. It is one of the safest and most widely used food preservatives in the world, effectively inhibiting the growth of molds and yeasts on cheese, dairy, meat, bakery, beverage and fruit & vegetable products, while leaving the beneficial bacteria and fermentation cultures typically used in food production unaffected.
FULLSAIL supplies food-grade natamycin in two standard forms — 95% purified and 50% carrier-based grades — engineered for reliable, consistent, clean-label preservation.
Product Forms & Advantages
95% Purified Grade (Natamycin 95%)
• High-strength, minimal carrier content for precise dosing in bulk and automated applications
• Ideal where a small active addition is required without introducing significant carrier load
• Same broad-spectrum antifungal activity against molds and yeasts
50% Carrier Grade (Natamycin 50%, lactose/glucose carrier)
• Standard industry form for cheese-surface application and spray/dip/brine treatments
• Easier homogeneous dispersion in brine, coating or spray solutions
• Uniform coverage on cheese rinds for reliable surface protection
Shared Advantages (Both Forms)
• Natural, fermentation-derived antifungal — clean label, high consumer acceptance
• Effective at very low concentrations (mg/kg range): excellent cost-efficiency
• Does not inhibit typical starter cultures, bacteria or fermentation
• GMP production, batch-to-batch consistency, full traceability and COA on request
Quality Standards: China / EU / USA
|
Market |
Standard |
|
China |
Specification per GB 1886.21-2016; usage per GB 2760 (limits as natamycin) |
|
EU |
Specification per Reg. (EU) 231/2012 (E 235, incl. consolidated amendments); authorized per Reg. (EC) 1333/2008 Annex II |
|
USA |
Conforms to FCC (Food Chemicals Codex); regulated under FDA food-use provisions for antifungals (cheese, meat, etc.) |
Specification (Natamycin 95%)
Parameter
Specification
Appearance
Near-white to cream crystalline powder
Assay (on dried basis)
≥ 95.0%
Identification
Conforms to standard
Loss on Drying
≤ 8.0%
Specific Rotation
[α]D²⁰ (1% in glacial acetic acid) +250° to +295°
pH (1% solution in water)
5.5 – 7.5
Sulphated Ash
≤ 0.5%
Lead (Pb)
2 mg/kg
Arsenic (As)
≤ 3 mg/kg
Mercury (Hg)
≤ 1 mg/kg
Microbiological Specifications
Parameter
Specification
Total Plate Count
≤ 100 CFU/g
Molds & Yeasts
≤ 50 CFU/g
E. coli Negative
Not Detected
Salmonella Negative
Not Detected
Main Application Areas
• Cheese (surface preservation): hard and semi-hard cheese rinds, processed cheese — 50% grade applied by spray, dip, coating or brine at very low levels
• Dairy: yogurt, dairy desserts, quark, cream
• Meat & Sausage Products: cooked, cured and smoked sausages, sliced/cured meats
• Bakery & Confectionery: surface treatment of baked goods prone to mold growth
• Beverages: juice and other products where yeast/mold stability is required
• Fruit & Vegetable Products: surface sprays, coatings and processing aids
Recommended Dosage
Typical use level: 1–20 mg/kg (1–20 ppm) depending on product, application method, pH, water activity and initial microbial load; cheese surface treatment commonly at 500–1000 mg/kg of natamycin in the applied coating/brine. Final dosage must follow the target market's regulation — China GB 2760-2024, EU Reg. (EC) 1333/2008, US FDA provisions — and be confirmed by challenge testing and production validation.
Packaging, Storage & Shelf Life
• Packaging: 25 kg plastic-woven bag or carton with food-grade PE inner liner; trial sizes available (1 kg / 5 kg); custom packaging on request
• Storage: store sealed in a clean, cool, dry place; protect from light, heat and moisture; keep away from strong oxidizers and reducers; re-seal promptly after opening
• Shelf life: 24 months from date of production under recommended storage conditions
Contact Us
TIANJIN FULLSAIL TECHNOLOGY CORP.
• Email: david@fullsailtech.com
• WhatsApp/Wechat: +86 186 2218 7598
• Web: www.fullsailtech.com
• COA and MSDS provided with shipment; Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO and TSE/BSE certificates and market-specific specification sheets available on request.
