E938 Argon – Protective Gas in Food Packaging
E938 is the EU food additive code for Argon, a colorless and odorless noble gas used in the food industry as a protective packaging gas to extend shelf life.
Things worth knowing about "E938"
E938 is the EU food additive code for Argon, a colorless and odorless noble gas used in the food industry as a protective packaging gas to extend shelf life.
What is E938?
E938 is the EU-approved food additive designation for Argon (chemical symbol: Ar). It is a naturally occurring noble gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and does not react chemically with food products. In the food industry, argon is used as a protective gas to shield products from oxidation, spoilage, and moisture.
Properties of Argon (E938)
Argon is the third most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere, comprising approximately 0.93% of air. As a noble gas belonging to Group 18 of the periodic table, it is completely chemically inert, meaning it does not form compounds with other substances. This makes it an ideal protective gas in food technology.
- Chemically inert – does not react with food
- Colorless, odorless, and tasteless
- Heavier than air – effectively displaces oxygen
- Non-flammable and non-toxic
- Naturally present in the Earth's atmosphere
Applications in the Food Industry
E938 is primarily used in Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), a process in which the air inside food packaging is replaced with argon or a gas mixture to extend the shelf life of products. Typical applications include:
- Packaging of fresh meat and fish
- Bottling of wine, beer, and other beverages
- Packaging of snacks, nuts, and baked goods
- Preservation of coffee and other aroma-sensitive products
- Use as a propellant gas in food sprays
Mechanism of Action
The preserving effect of argon is based on the displacement principle: by replacing oxygen inside the packaging, argon prevents the oxidation of fats, vitamins, and pigments in the food. At the same time, it inhibits the growth of aerobic microorganisms such as bacteria and molds that require oxygen to survive. Because argon is heavier than air, it settles effectively at the bottom of the packaging, forming a protective gas layer.
Safety and Health Assessment
Argon is considered safe for human health. Since it is chemically inert, it is neither absorbed nor metabolized by the human body. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has classified argon as a safe food additive. No Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) has been established, as there is no toxicological concern. Under normal food consumption conditions, consumers do not come into direct contact with the gas itself.
Labeling and Regulation
In the European Union, argon is approved as a food additive under the number E938. It is listed in Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives. When used as a packaging gas, it must be declared on the product label as a protective gas or by its E-number code. It belongs to the additive category of packaging gases, which also includes E939 (Helium) and E941 (Nitrogen).
References
- European Commission: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
- EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources (ANS): Re-evaluation of certain food additives. EFSA Journal, 2018.
- Belitz, H.-D.; Grosch, W.; Schieberle, P.: Food Chemistry. 4th revised and extended edition. Springer, Berlin, 2009.
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