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E290 Carbon Dioxide – Food Additive Explained

E290 is the food additive carbon dioxide, a colorless and odorless gas used as a carbonation agent, preservative, and propellant in food and beverages.

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Things worth knowing about "E290"

E290 is the food additive carbon dioxide, a colorless and odorless gas used as a carbonation agent, preservative, and propellant in food and beverages.

What is E290?

E290 is the designation for carbon dioxide (CO₂) as an approved food additive in the European Union. It is a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable gas that occurs naturally in the atmosphere and is also produced by human metabolism. In the food industry, E290 is primarily used for carbonating beverages, as a protective gas to extend shelf life, and as a propellant.

Uses in Food

E290 is applied in numerous areas of food production:

Carbonation: Carbon dioxide is dissolved under pressure into water or other beverages (e.g., sparkling water, soft drinks, beer, sparkling wine) to create the characteristic fizz.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): CO₂ is used alongside other gases in packaging to inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds, extending the shelf life of fresh products such as meat, cheese, and baked goods.
Propellant: In spray products such as whipped cream from canisters, E290 serves as a propellant.
Rapid Cooling: Liquid or solid CO₂ (dry ice) is used for cooling and transporting temperature-sensitive food products.

Mechanism of Action

Carbon dioxide inhibits the growth of aerobic (oxygen-dependent) microorganisms by displacing oxygen within the packaging atmosphere and exerting a direct antimicrobial effect. When dissolved in water, it forms carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), which slightly lowers the pH and thus provides an additional preservative effect. In carbonated beverages, dissolved CO₂ creates the characteristic effervescence and mouthfeel.

Approval and Safety

E290 is approved as a food additive in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008. No specific quantity limit (quantum satis) has been set for carbon dioxide, as it is considered safe when used in technologically necessary amounts. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) classifies E290 as safe for human health.

Health Effects

At the levels used in food and beverages, E290 is considered safe for health. However, carbonated beverages may cause bloating, belching, or stomach irritation in sensitive individuals. People with irritable bowel syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn) may tolerate highly carbonated drinks less well. For healthy adults and children, there are no known health risks from E290 at normal levels of consumption.

Labeling

Foods to which E290 has been added as an additive must list it in the ingredients either as E290 or as carbon dioxide in accordance with EU labeling regulations. Beverages produced by carbonation also typically indicate the presence of carbonation on the label.

References

European Commission: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives. EUR-Lex, 2008.
EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS): Re-evaluation of carbon dioxide (E 290) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2016;14(3):4412.
Carocho, M. et al.: Adding Molecules to Food, Pros and Cons: A Review on Synthetic and Natural Food Additives. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 2014;13(4):377-399.

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