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. 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
Dimethyl Dicarbonate: the EU E-number regulatory record
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 in our EFSA data | 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.
Dimethyl Dicarbonate: what it is
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.