Foods Containing E239 (Hexamethylene Tetramine)
E239 (Hexamethylene Tetramine) is a synthetic preservative used in a small number of cheeses, used as a preservative to help prevent spoilage by stopping the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeasts. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E239
E239 is used across soft drinks, dried fruit, processed meats, sauces, baked goods and wine. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Soft drinks
- Dried fruit
- Processed meats
- Sauces
- Baked goods and wine
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E239 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E239" or as "Hexamethylene Tetramine".
How to spot E239 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "preservatives: E239" or "preservatives: hexamethylene tetramine". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Hexamethylene Tetramine" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E239?
E239 is approved for use in the EU, UK and US at regulated levels, but some concerns or conditions apply. For most people, normal dietary exposure to E239 is not considered harmful.
Full guide to E239: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).