Product Name: Nisin
Chemical Formula: C143H228N42O37S7
Synonyms: Food preservative E234, Nisin A
CAS Number: 1414-45-5
EC Number: 215-807-5
Recommended Uses: Antimicrobial agent in dairy products, canned foods, processed meats
Supplier Details: Supplier contact details provided by manufacturer
Emergency Contact: Local emergency services or poison control
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Health Hazards: Low risk when handled under standard conditions, may cause mild irritation to skin, eyes, or respiratory tract if airborne dust occurs
Environmental Hazards: Not regarded as dangerous to the environment in typical food industry concentrations
Signal Word: No signal word assigned
Hazard Statements: Inhalation of dust or extended skin contact can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Precautionary Statements: Use proper ventilation, avoid dust formation, wash thoroughly after handling
Main Ingredient: Nisin (Polycyclic antibacterial peptide)
Concentration: Typically 2.5% nisin content in standard preparations, remainder is food-grade sodium chloride or lactose
Impurities: Trace protein fragments from fermentation, sodium chloride depending on intended use
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately and thoroughly with clean water for at least fifteen minutes, consult an ophthalmologist if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash area with water and mild soap, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice if irritation remains
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, assist breathing if required, consult medical staff if cough or breathing difficulty continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth out, drink water in small sips, monitor for symptoms, medical attention rarely required unless allergic reactions develop
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water mist, foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder
Unsuitable Media: High-pressure water jets can spread powder
Combustion Hazards: May emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides after burning
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective suits
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, use personal protective equipment such as gloves and dust mask
Environmental Precautions: Prevent powder from entering drains or waterways, scoop up where possible for disposal
Cleanup Methods: Collect material with non-sparking tools, avoid generating dust, ventilate area, wash residue away with water
Handling: Avoid creating dust clouds, use local exhaust ventilation, do not eat or drink while using
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry environment, away from sunlight and moisture, keep away from acids and oxidizers
Container Materials: Use food-safe plastic, glass, or stainless steel containers for bulk storage
Exposure Limits: No established exposure limits for nisin by OSHA, ACGIH, or NIOSH
Engineering Controls: Use process enclosures and local exhaust ventilation where powder is handled
Respiratory Protection: Use dust masks or respirators (P2 or N95) if airborne dust occurs
Skin Protection: Wear nitrile or latex gloves to prevent contact
Eye Protection: Use safety goggles whenever handling bulk powder
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after use, keep work clothing separate from everyday clothes
Appearance: Off-white to cream-colored powder
Odor: Faint, characteristic
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: 3.4–3.6 (10% solution in water)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Decomposes above 200°C, does not melt cleanly
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not flammable under standard conditions
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flammability: Not classified as flammable
Solubility: Freely soluble in water
Partition Coefficient: Data not available
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Density/Bulk Density: 1.3–1.4 g/cm³
Viscosity: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal, dry storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, intense light, and moisture
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, bases
Hazardous Decomposition: Breakdown products may include nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide upon combustion
Polymerization: Will not occur
Acute Toxicity: Low oral toxicity (LD50 in rats >5000 mg/kg), not hazardous in food-grade concentration
Skin Irritation: Not considered primary irritant, possible mild irritation on sensitive skin
Eye Irritation: May cause mechanical irritation
Respiratory Sensitization: Prolonged dust inhalation could cause throat or lung irritation
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by EPA, IARC, or NTP
Mutagenicity: No mutagenic effects found in standard tests
Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence in animal studies to suggest risk
Other Effects: Mild allergic responses possible in protein-sensitive people
Aquatic Toxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life, rapidly degrades in water
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegrades quickly to peptides and amino acids
Bioaccumulation: No tendency to bioaccumulate in organisms
Soil Mobility: Moves freely with water, quickly broken down by soil microbes
Other Adverse Effects: Does not contribute to eutrophication or long-term pollution
Safe Disposal: Small quantities may be disposed via municipal waste or sewer, larger amounts should be handled through registered waste contractors
Environmental Precautions: Do not discharge substantial amounts into surface water, avoid disposal in locations prone to groundwater contamination
Packing Disposal: Clean and recycle containers where possible, follow local waste treatment instructions
UN Number: Not classified as a hazardous product for transport
Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Transport Labels: No special labeling required
Special Precautions: Protect from moisture, handle in sealed packaging during transit
Shipping Methods: Can be shipped by air, road, sea, and rail as regular cargo
Regulatory Status: Approved food additive in many countries, listed as E234 under European regulation
Safety Standards: Controlled by Codex Alimentarius, FDA (21 CFR 184.1538), EFSA for food preservatives
Labelling Requirements: Food products containing nisin must label its presence in ingredient lists depending on jurisdiction
Worker Safety: No specific workplace exposure controls required, covered by general workplace hygiene standards
Inventory Status: Listed on US TSCA, EU REACH pre-registered, Australian AICS
