E705 – Penicillin G potassium

Description

Antibiotic used as a preservative to inhibit bacterial growth, particularly in cheese production

Risks

Notes

E705 is related to nisin, a natural antibiotic produced by certain bacteria called Lactococcus lactis. These beneficial bacteria create nisin as part of their normal life processes, much like how some plants produce natural compounds to protect themselves. The nisin is extracted and purified from bacterial cultures grown in controlled laboratory conditions. This additive works as a preservative by specifically targeting harmful bacteria that can cause food spoilage and foodborne illness. It's particularly effective against dangerous bacteria like Listeria and Clostridium, making it valuable for extending the shelf life of dairy products, especially cheese. You might find it in processed cheeses, cheese spreads, and other dairy products where preventing bacterial growth is crucial. While nisin itself is considered natural since it comes from bacteria, E705 represents a modified or related form that may be synthetically produced. It's generally suitable for vegetarians and vegans as it doesn't come from animals, though some strict vegans might prefer to avoid it due to the industrial production process. The use of antibiotic-related preservatives in food is heavily regulated, and many countries have strict limits or prohibitions on such additives due to concerns about contributing to antibiotic resistance.