Dimethyl dicarbonate
Learn what Dimethyl dicarbonate (E242) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhat is Dimethyl dicarbonate?
Food additive with a preservative role, used for cold sterilization of flavored non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, teas, non-alcoholic wine, coffee or coffee substitutes, energy drinks). During the sterilization process, 96% of this additive breaks down into carbon dioxide and methanol, which are eliminated. It is considered a safe additive, and therefore no maximum allowable dose has been established. The product itself is highly toxic, but the amount remaining in food is considered harmless.
Why is Dimethyl dicarbonate added to food?
Dimethyl dicarbonate (E242) is a preservative commonly found in: Soft drinks, teas, non-alcoholic wine, coffee.
Permitted quantity: Considered a safe additive, and therefore no maximum allowable dose has been established.
Is Dimethyl dicarbonate banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Common foods that contain Dimethyl dicarbonate
- Soft drinks
- teas
- non-alcoholic wine
- coffee
See the full list of foods that contain Dimethyl dicarbonate →
How to spot Dimethyl dicarbonate on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E242
- Dimethyl dicarbonate
Common misspellings to watch for:
- dlmethyl dicarbonate
- dimethyl diearbonate
- dimethyl dlcarbonate
- dimethyl dicarbonate
- dimethyl dicarbondte
- dimethyl dicdrbonate
Better alternatives
• May cause toxic reactions when consumed in large amounts, including nausea, headaches, and dizziness. • Not recommended for people with liver or kidney conditions, as it may overload these organs. • Avoided in the diet of young children, as it may affect the developing nervous system. • People with sensitivities or allergies to chemical compounds should avoid exposure to this additive. • Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential risks to fetal or infant development.
Also known as
- dlmethyl dicarbonate
- dimethyl diearbonate
- dimethyl dlcarbonate
- dimethyl dicarbonate
- dimethyl dicarbondte
- dimethyl dicdrbonate
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Dimethyl dicarbonate? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E242 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Dimethyl dicarbonate
- Is Dimethyl dicarbonate safe to eat?
- Dimethyl dicarbonate has a harm level of 2 out of 3. Moderate concern.
- Is Dimethyl dicarbonate banned anywhere?
- Dimethyl dicarbonate is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- How do I spot Dimethyl dicarbonate on a food label?
- Look for E242, Dimethyl dicarbonate in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: dlmethyl dicarbonate, dimethyl diearbonate, dimethyl dlcarbonate.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.