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E239PreservativeElevated concern
Hexamethylene Tetramine
In plain words
The short version
A formaldehyde-releasing antimicrobial — restricted to traditional provolone cheese in EU.
Why we flag it
It's allowed, but comes with clearer cautions — such as reactions in sensitive people, stricter limits, or contested safety. The Safety section below explains why.
Safety profile
ADI of 0–0.4 mg/kg body weight (as formaldehyde, JECFA). Formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen — the food exposure from provolone is well below population-thresholds for the inhalational route that drives the carcinogen classification, but the narrow EU permission reflects the tension.
The detail
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.