Ingredient · E235

A Natural Mold Inhibitor

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add natamycin primarily as a preservative to prevent the growth of molds and …

What is A Natural Mold Inhibitor?

Natamycin is a natural antifungal agent produced by the bacterium Streptomyces natalensis through a fermentation process. It is a polyene macrolide antibiotic, effective against a wide range of fungi, including yeasts and molds.

Is A Natural Mold Inhibitor vegan?

A Natural Mold Inhibitor is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is A Natural Mold Inhibitor a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is A Natural Mold Inhibitor used for?

Manufacturers add natamycin primarily as a preservative to prevent the growth of molds and yeasts on food surfaces.

Is A Natural Mold Inhibitor safe?

In the US, natamycin is an FDA-approved food additive.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add natamycin primarily as a preservative to prevent the growth of molds and yeasts on food surfaces. It is commonly used as a surface treatment for cheeses and cured meats, and can also be found in some dairy products, baked goods, and beverages, aligning with its presence in cheese and pre-packaged foods.

Health notes

In the US, natamycin is an FDA-approved food additive. It is poorly absorbed by the human body and is generally considered safe for consumption at typical levels. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated natamycin and established an acceptable daily intake. EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also confirmed its safety as a food additive. While some concerns have been raised about potential contributions to antibiotic resistance, natamycin is not used in human medicine, and its mechanism of action is distinct from medically important antibiotics, making this risk generally considered low.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Foods that contain A Natural Mold Inhibitor

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Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese Spread PHILADELPHIA Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese Spread Cheese 219kcal 6.2Protein 15.6Fat 9.4Carbs Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Sharp Cheddar HAPPY FARMS Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 393kcal 25Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs Romaine Lettuce, Caesar Dressing, Shredded Cheese And Croutons Caesar Salad, Dressing & Toppings Kit, Caesar Salad LITTLE SALAD BAR Romaine Lettuce, Caesar Dressing, Shredded Cheese And Croutons Caesar Salad, Dressing & Toppings Kit, Caesar Salad Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 160kcal 4Protein 14Fat 7Carbs Mexican Style Blend Reduced Fat Cheese, Mexican Style Blend Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. Mexican Style Blend Reduced Fat Cheese, Mexican Style Blend Cheese 286kcal 25Protein 17.9Fat 3.6Carbs Caesar Salad Romaine Lettuce, Caesar Dressing, Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Croutons Kit, Caesar Salad LIDL Caesar Salad Romaine Lettuce, Caesar Dressing, Shaved Parmesan Cheese, Croutons Kit, Caesar Salad Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 150kcal 4Protein 13Fat 6Carbs Santa Fe Style Salad Romaine Lettuce. Salsa Ranch Dressing Southwest Style White Chicken Meat, Roasted Corn, Four-Cheese Blend, And Tortilla Strips, Santa Fe Style Salad LITTLE SALAD BAR Santa Fe Style Salad Romaine Lettuce. Salsa Ranch Dressing Southwest Style White Chicken Meat, Roasted Corn, Four-Cheese Blend, And Tortilla Strips, Santa Fe Style Salad Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 136kcal 7.3Protein 7.9Fat 9.6Carbs Chicken Caesar Romaine Lettuce, White Chicken Meat, Caesar Dressing, And Parmesan Cheese Salad, Chicken Caesar LITTLE SALAD BAR Chicken Caesar Romaine Lettuce, White Chicken Meat, Caesar Dressing, And Parmesan Cheese Salad, Chicken Caesar Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 164kcal 8.5Protein 13.6Fat 3.4Carbs Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, Mozzarella HAPPY FARMS Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese 286kcal 21.4Protein 21.4Fat 7.1Carbs Romaine Lettuce, Caesar Dressing, Shredded Cheese And Croutons Caesar Salad Kit LITTLE SALAD BAR Romaine Lettuce, Caesar Dressing, Shredded Cheese And Croutons Caesar Salad Kit Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables 150kcal 4Protein 13Fat 6Carbs Athenos, Feta Cheese, Garlic & Herb, Garlic & Herb Kraft Heinz Foods Company Athenos, Feta Cheese, Garlic & Herb, Garlic & Herb Cheese 250kcal 17.9Protein 21.4Fat 7.1Carbs Colby Jack Colby & Monterey Jack Shredded Cheese, Colby Jack Topco Associates, Inc. Colby Jack Colby & Monterey Jack Shredded Cheese, Colby Jack Cheese High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 393kcal 21.4Protein 32.1Fat 3.6Carbs Traditional Feta Reduced Fat Crumbled Cheese, Traditional Feta Kraft Heinz Foods Company Traditional Feta Reduced Fat Crumbled Cheese, Traditional Feta Cheese 179kcal 17.9Protein 10.7Fat 3.6Carbs
Preservative (28015 products) Potassium Sorbate (21407 products) Sodium Benzoate (13792 products) Sodium Nitrite (13550 products) Sodium Erythorbate (9349 products) Calcium Propionate (8459 products) Preservatives (8104 products) Sorbic Acid (7394 products)

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.