Additives
Dimethyl Dicarbonate (E242): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Limited risk
Preservative
Used to sterilise beverages in cold conditions. Breaks down rapidly into carbon dioxide and methanol after treatment. Methanol residues are very low but methanol is toxic at high doses. EFSA considers it safe at permitted use levels.
- Category
- Preservative
- Typically used in
- Wine, fruit juices, sports drinks, tea beverages
- Regulatory status
- Approved EU/USA/UK. Trace methanol residue noted.
- Also listed as
- DMDC
- Concerns flagged
-
Neurotoxicity concern
Scrannr flags Dimethyl Dicarbonate automatically when you scan a barcode.
Sources
Where this comes from
- EFSA (2015) — Scientific opinion on the re-evaluation of dimethyl dicarbonate -DMDC, E 242- as a food additive http://dx.doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4319
Products
Products containing Dimethyl Dicarbonate
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