What is Food Additive E242 ?
E242, or Dimethyl Dicarbonate (DMDC), is a food additive that serves as a preservative, used for cold sterilization of flavored non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, teas, non-alcoholic wine, prepared coffee or coffee substitutes, and energy drinks).
Recognized for its antimicrobial properties, E242 is a food additive that ensures the safety and longevity of food products. Dimethyl Dicarbonate is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H6O5. Within the technological process of sterilization, 96% of this additive is broken down into carbon dioxide and methanol, getting eliminated.
Do You Know What Food Additives are ? InfoCons Consumer Protection Informs You !
What is the Recommended Daily Dose?
For the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for E242.
It is authorized for treating various beverages at a level of up to 250 mg/L. This dose is based on extensive toxicological studies that have determined the levels at which E242 can be safely consumed over a lifetime without adverse health effects.
In Which Products Can E242 Be Found ? InfoCons Consumer Protection informs you !
E242 is mainly used in the food and beverage industry due to its effectiveness as a preservative. Here are some of its common applications:
- Beverages: E242 is often used in non-alcoholic beverages such as fruit juices, iced teas, and sports drinks. It helps to extend the shelf life without altering the taste or nutritional value of the product. In the wine industry, E242 is used to stabilize and preserve wines by preventing unwanted fermentation after bottling.
- Liquid Foods: In addition to beverages, E242 is used in various liquid foods such as sauces and condiments. It ensures that these products remain free from microbial contamination, which can cause spoilage and potential foodborne illnesses.
- Dairy Products: Some dairy products, especially those that are liquid or semi-liquid, benefit from the antimicrobial properties of E242. It helps to maintain freshness and extend the product’s shelf life.
Contraindications and Risks
E242 is considered a safe additive. The product itself is highly toxic, but the amount that remains in foods is deemed harmless.
E242 Dimethyl Dicarbonate is a valuable tool in the food and beverage industry for maintaining product quality and safety. With regulatory approvals and established safety guidelines, E242 is a reliable and effective preservative. As with any food additive, adherence to usage limits and regulatory requirements is crucial to ensuring consumer safety and maintaining the integrity of food and beverage products.
Read also : Pay attention to Alerts for food products with the European InfoCons App ! InfoCons Consumer Protection Informs You !
Download the InfoCons application !
Look for products that have a cleaner label or use natural additives. By installing Consumer Protection InfoCons App and scanning the barcodes of food products, you can find out the number and type of food additives they contain.
Author – Cosmina Nițu
Master in Nutrition – Infant and new born nutrition
Sources:
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/ – European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
InfoCons – European Organization for Consumers Protection and Promotion of Programs and Strategies , a full member of the World Organization Consumers International, founding member of the Federation of Consumer Associations, and member of ANEC.