Etilen
Learn what Etilen (E385) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Low concernWhat is Etilen?
Food additive with antioxidant, emulsifier, chelating agent, and preservative functions. Found in alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, vegetable, fruit, fish, meat, egg products, both emulsified and non-emulsified fats, fermented, frozen or dried preserved foods, sauces, spices, concentrates for automated dispenser drinks, jams, jellies, creams, glazes, and fillings for pastries, dried fruits, starch-based desserts, etc. Not allowed in foods intended for infants and young children. This synthetic compound does not metabolize and is excreted through urine. It has various industrial uses due to its ability to form stable compounds with metal ions, such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, lead, iron, mercury, etc. This same action occurs in the human body, being used in medicine to treat hypercalcemia, mercury or lead poisoning, and thalassemia (excess iron).
Why is Etilen added to food?
Etilen (E385) is a antioxidant commonly found in: Alcoholic and soft drinks, margarine, canned foods, sauces.
Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake for human consumption is up to 2.5 mg/kg body weight, a dose that can easily be exceeded with cumulative consumption, especially by children.
Is Etilen safe?
Low concern
For healthy individuals, EDTA acts as a toxic agent at the cellular level, potentially depleting essential elements such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, and also having an anticoagulant effect.
Is Etilen banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Etilen okay for kids?
This additive is allowed in foods for children within the prescribed limits.
Common foods that contain Etilen
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- margarine
- canned foods
- sauces
How to spot Etilen on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E385
- Etilen
Common misspellings to watch for:
- etllen
- etilen
Better alternatives
• Not recommended for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to EDTA-based compounds. • May interact with certain medications or supplements, reducing the absorption of essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium. • Individuals with renal or liver conditions should avoid consumption, as it may affect their function.
Also known as
- etllen
- etilen
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Etilen? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E385 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Etilen
- Is Etilen safe to eat?
- For healthy individuals, EDTA acts as a toxic agent at the cellular level, potentially depleting essential elements such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, and also having an anticoagulant effect.
- Is Etilen banned anywhere?
- Etilen is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Etilen safe for children?
- This additive is allowed in foods for children within the prescribed limits.
- How do I spot Etilen on a food label?
- Look for E385, Etilen in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: etllen, etilen.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.