Dimethyl dicarbonate
Function: Preservative
E242 is the European food-additive number for Dimethyl dicarbonate, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. DIMETHYL DICARBONATE is an organic compound which is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor at high concentration at room temperature.
What is E242 used for?
Dimethyl dicarbonate (E242) is a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition.
Is E242 safe or restricted?
E242 is an approved food additive in the EU and currently carries no special regulatory restrictions in the EU additive register. Forkin classifies it as “No regulatory flags” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.
Frequently asked questions about E242
- What is E242?
- E242 is the E-number for Dimethyl dicarbonate, a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. DIMETHYL DICARBONATE is an organic compound which is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor at high concentration at room temperature.
- What is E242 used for?
- Dimethyl dicarbonate (E242) is a preservative — used to extend shelf life by slowing spoilage from microbes. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.
- Is E242 vegan or vegetarian?
- It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.
- Is E242 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E242 is an approved food additive in the EU and currently carries no special regulatory restrictions in the EU additive register. Forkin classifies it as "No regulatory flags" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.
See the full profile in Forkin
The Forkin app surfaces the full regulatory profile of E242 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.