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Nisin

Nisin suppliers and sourcing guide

Nisin is a small antimicrobial peptide made by certain strains of Lactococcus lactis, the bacterium formerly called Streptococcus lactis. It is produced by fermenting the strain on a milk- or sugar-based medium, then concentrating and drying the active fraction. Commercial nisin preparations are standardized with salt, and often milk solids, to a stated activity, and are used in processed cheese, dairy desserts, liquid egg, sauces and some meat products.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
nisin preparation · E234 · nisin A
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of nisin

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Standard nisin preparation

    Nisin standardized with sodium chloride and milk solids, usually to about 2.5 percent nisin; contains dairy.

  • Dairy-free nisin

    Nisin made from a non-dairy fermentation medium for dairy-free and vegan products.

  • Higher-potency grades

    Concentrated preparations for processors that want less carrier.

  • Blends

    Nisin combined with other cultured or acid ingredients for specific food categories.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Nisin activity
Activity in international units per milligram by an agar diffusion bioassay or by HPLC.
Sodium chloride
Salt content, which shows the standardization level.
Metals
Arsenic, lead, zinc and copper, which have limits in the FDA regulation for nisin preparation.
Microbiology
Total plate count, E. coli, Salmonella and coagulase-positive staphylococci.
Moisture
Loss on drying.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Nisin preparations lose activity with heat and moisture, so keep them sealed in a cool, dry place, often below room temperature as the supplier directs. Reseal opened containers at once. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is retested for activity.

Lots and expiry dates

Record activity in IU per milligram for each lot, since dose is set by activity rather than weight. Note whether the lot contains milk solids for allergen labeling, and rotate FEFO.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 184.1538 affirms nisin preparation as GRAS as an antimicrobial agent in pasteurized cheese spreads and pasteurized process cheese spreads, and requires a nisin content of not less than 900 international units per milligram.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • GRN 65, for nisin notified by Rhodia for use on casings for frankfurters and on cooked meat and poultry products, closed with FDA having no questions.

    Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes nisin, including for baking mixes containing egg and liquid whole egg.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Nisin suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking nisin suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell nisin? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of nisin can brands buy?

Common forms include standard nisin preparation, dairy-free nisin, higher-potency grades and blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for nisin include?

Expect nisin activity, sodium chloride, metals, microbiology and moisture, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should nisin be stored?

Nisin preparations lose activity with heat and moisture, so keep them sealed in a cool, dry place, often below room temperature as the supplier directs. Reseal opened containers at once. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and older stock is retested for activity.

What is the regulatory status of nisin?

21 CFR 184.1538 affirms nisin preparation as GRAS as an antimicrobial agent in pasteurized cheese spreads and pasteurized process cheese spreads, and requires a nisin content of not less than 900 international units per milligram. GRN 65, for nisin notified by Rhodia for use on casings for frankfurters and on cooked meat and poultry products, closed with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's List of Permitted Preservatives includes nisin, including for baking mixes containing egg and liquid whole egg.

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