Back to catalogSafety
E242PreservativeModerate concern
Dimethyl Dicarbonate
In plain words
The short version
DMDC — a cold-sterilant beverage preservative that hydrolyzes within hours, leaving methanol and CO2.
Why we flag it amber
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
ADI not specified for the parent; safety based on the rapid hydrolysis to methanol and CO2 — the final beverage contains no DMDC. Methanol residual (~100 mg/L max) is well below natural levels in fruit juices. The pure material is a strong protein-modifier and an occupational-safety hazard during dosing.
The detail
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.