Dimethyl Dicarbonate (E242) — What You Need to Know
What Is Dimethyl Dicarbonate?
Dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) is a synthetic chemical compound used as a cold sterilization agent for beverages. It is added to drinks immediately before bottling and hydrolyzes rapidly within hours into methanol and carbon dioxide, leaving no detectable residue in the final product. It is effective against yeasts, moulds, and bacteria at low concentrations.
What Is It Used For?
Used as a cold sterilization agent in beverages such as wine, flavoured water, iced tea, and sports drinks. Eliminates spoilage microorganisms without requiring heat treatment, making it ideal for heat-sensitive beverages.
Safety Assessment
Added to beverages immediately before bottling; hydrolyzes rapidly to methanol and carbon dioxide within hours, leaving no residual chemical in the product. The methanol produced is at levels far below those found naturally in fruit juices. EFSA and FDA consider it safe as a 'cold sterilization' agent for beverages. Cannot be used in foods, only beverages. Acute toxicity is high before hydrolysis, so it must be handled carefully during manufacturing.
Based on current evidence, Dimethyl Dicarbonate is rated Generally Safe with a score of 7/10. This is 1.3 points above the average for preservatives (5.7/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2015.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E242 or 'Dimethyl Dicarbonate'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Dimethyl Dicarbonate
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E242
- INS Number
- 242
- Category
- Preservatives
- Origin
- Synthetic
- FDA Status
- Approved for beverages (up to 250 ppm)
- EFSA Status
- Authorized (evaluated 2015)
- ADI
- Not specified mg/kg bw/day
- Last Review
- 2015
Quick Links
Related Additives
Other preservatives in the same family