What is E290?
E290 is Carbon Dioxide — a gas produced industrially, used as a packaging gases & propellant to help protect packaged food from spoilage or propel it from containers.
What is E290 (Carbon Dioxide)?
E290 is the E-number for carbon dioxide, one of the packaging gases & propellants group of food additives (E290–E949). Additives in this group protect packaged food from spoilage or propel it from containers. A gas produced industrially. Like every E-number, E290 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E290 in detail below.
Where is E290 found?
E290 is typically used in bagged salads, crisps, fizzy drinks, squirty cream and modified-atmosphere packs. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E290) or by its full name, carbon dioxide. Common foods that may contain E290 include:
- Bagged salads
- Crisps
- Fizzy drinks
- Squirty cream and modified-atmosphere packs
Full guide: foods containing E290 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E290 safe?
E290 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E290.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E290 vegan?
E290 is vegan. A gas produced industrially, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E290 →Is E290 halal?
E290 is halal. A gas produced industrially, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E290 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E290 in food?
E290 is Carbon Dioxide — a gas produced industrially, used as a packaging gases & propellant to help protect packaged food from spoilage or propel it from containers.
Is E290 safe to eat?
Yes. E290 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E290 vegan?
E290 is vegan. A gas produced industrially, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E290 halal?
E290 is halal. A gas produced industrially, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).