Skip to content
The Filtr Library
Additive · Filtr file

E242

Dimethyl Dicarbonate

Cold-sterilising agent for soft drinks; breaks down before consumption.

LOW RISKPenalty−1 ptsFSANZPERMITTEDBanned in—
FILE · E242
Low riskFiltr penalty−1 pts
ISSUED · 06.2026
01 / 04What it is

E242 in plain English

Cold-sterilising agent for soft drinks; breaks down before consumption.

02 / 04Why it's used

It buys shelf life.

To inhibit the growth of mould, yeast and bacteria, extending the shelf life of products well beyond what they would otherwise tolerate.

preservative
03 / 04Health concerns

Mild controversy, nothing pressing.

Mild controversy; generally fine at typical dietary exposure.

04 / 04Regulatory status

How the world's regulators rule

Australia · FSANZ
Permitted
Banned jurisdictions
None recorded
Filtr risk tier
Low risk
Filtr score penalty
−1 points
Category
Preservative