preservative (cold sterilant) INS 242

Dimethyl Dicarbonate E242

organic carbonate — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Dimethyl dicarbonate

CAS: 4525-33-1

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Dimethyl Dicarbonate?

Dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) is a chemical sterilant added directly to beverages just before filling to inactivate yeasts, molds, and bacteria. It decomposes rapidly into carbon dioxide and methanol at levels well below regulatory limits — by the time a beverage reaches consumers, no DMDC remains. The FDA approved DMDC for use in beverages as an alternative to hot pasteurization. EFSA evaluated it in 2015 confirming no safety concerns at permitted use levels (maximum 250 mg/kg in beverages). It is particularly valued in the wine and juice industry for cold sterilization.

? Did You Know?

To reach the Acceptable Daily Intake limit, a 60kg adult would need to consume approximately unlimited (DMDC disappears within seconds) bottles of wine (750ml) in a single day. (This is a mathematical illustration, not a safety recommendation.)

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: 250 mg/L (beverages only) mg/kg

RESTRICTED to beverages only; must hydrolyze before consumption

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS for beverages

Approved for use in wine, juice-based beverages, and ready-to-drink tea

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Approved as designated food additive for beverages

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

NOT SPECIFIED (rapidly hydrolyzes to CO2 and methanol at safe levels)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

NOT SPECIFIED (self-eliminating)

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

unlimited (DMDC disappears within seconds) of bottles of wine (750ml)

~0mg per serving

unlimited (self-eliminating) of bottles of iced tea (500ml)

~0mg per serving

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Synthesized by reacting dimethyl carbonate with phosgene or by other carbonate coupling reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dimethyl Dicarbonate (E242)?

Dimethyl Dicarbonate (E242) is a preservative (cold sterilant) used in food products. It is organic carbonate and synthetic. Breaks down within SECONDS into CO2 and trace methanol (both already in beverages naturally). Known as 'cold sterilization' - kills microbes without heating. Leaves virtually NO residue in final product (self-eliminating). Brand name 'Velcorin' is well-known in beverage industry. Allows preservation of beverages without heat treatment (preserves flavor). The methanol produced is less than what's naturally in fruit juices. Must be added with precise dosing equipment due to rapid reaction.

What is the ADI for Dimethyl Dicarbonate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Dimethyl Dicarbonate is NOT SPECIFIED (rapidly hydrolyzes to CO2 and methanol at safe levels) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Dimethyl Dicarbonate?

Dimethyl Dicarbonate is used in various food categories including Wine and wine-like beverages, Flavoured drinks. It is used as a preservative (cold sterilant) in these products.

Is Dimethyl Dicarbonate the same as DMDC?

Yes, Dimethyl Dicarbonate is also known as DMDC, Velcorin. These are different names for the same substance.

Primary Research & Evidence