Preservative · EU 242
Dimethyl Dicarbonate
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Dimethyl Dicarbonate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
Dimethyl Dicarbonate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
E-number regulatory snapshot
Dimethyl Dicarbonate: no OFF product match; EU code 242 is the standout identifier.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 242 | EU additive register |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Dimethyl Dicarbonate?
DIMETHYL DICARBONATE is an organic compound which is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor at high concentration at room temperature. It is primarily used as a beverage preservative, processing aid, or sterilant
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Scientific opinion on the re-evaluation of dimethyl dicarbonate -DMDC, E 242- as a food additive
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Dimethyl Dicarbonate
Product-count (0) and safety-score (4/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 4/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dimethyl Dicarbonate safe to consume?
Dimethyl Dicarbonate scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. No OFF product match yet; EU additive code 242 is the standout identifier on this row.
What is Dimethyl Dicarbonate used for in food?
Dimethyl Dicarbonate (242) is catalogued for Processed foods, baked goods, beverages; treat uses as SAFFA class, not shelf count.
What health concerns are associated with Dimethyl Dicarbonate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Dimethyl Dicarbonate: EFSA evaluation: Scientific opinion on the re-evaluation of dimethyl dicarbonate -DMDC, E 242- as a food additive. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.