preservative (antimicrobial) INS 243

Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate E243

cationic surfactant — Primarily synthetic (from natural components).

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Ethyl Nα-lauroyl-L-arginate hydrochloride

CAS: 60372-77-2

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate isn't just a food additive — it's also used in cosmetics.

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately ~18 servings of processed meat (50g) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Although classified as natural in origin, commercial Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate is typically manufactured rather than extracted directly from food sources.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category mg/kg

Approved in 2015; restricted to specific food categories with maximum use levels

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS since 2005

Approved earlier than EU (2005); widely used in meat products and sauces

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Approved as designated food additive

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–3 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

3 mg/kg bw/day

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

~18 of servings of processed meat (50g)

~10mg per serving

~60 of servings of mayonnaise (15g)

~3mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis from natural precursors

Synthesized by coupling L-arginine with lauric acid and ethanol through esterification and amidation reactions.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in personal care products as antimicrobial preservative

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate (E243)?

Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate (E243) is a preservative (antimicrobial) used in food products. It is cationic surfactant and synthetic (from natural components). One of the NEWEST preservatives approved (EU: 2015). Made from amino acid L-arginine and lauric acid (both found in nature). Breaks down in the body into natural components (arginine, lauric acid, ethanol). Effective at very low concentrations. Works against both bacteria AND fungi. Marketed as 'clean label' friendly despite being synthetic. Particularly popular in refrigerated fresh foods. Brand name 'MireNat' in commercial applications. Represents modern trend toward safer, biodegradable preservatives.

What is the ADI for Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate is 0–3 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate?

Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate is used in various food categories including Fresh meat, Sauces. It is used as a preservative (antimicrobial) in these products.

Is Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate the same as LAE?

Yes, Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate is also known as LAE, MireNat. These are different names for the same substance.

Primary Research & Evidence