E939Glazing agentLow concern
Helium
In plain words
The short version
An inert packaging and foaming gas used to displace oxygen or aerate products.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
01Origin
Where it comes from
An inert noble gas, extracted from natural gas.
02Usage
How it's used
A packaging and foaming gas — displaces oxygen in modified-atmosphere packaging and can aerate certain products.
03Safety
Safety profile
No ADI specified; chemically inert and not metabolized.
04Properties
Physical & chemical properties
Colourless, odourless, non-flammable gas; lighter than air.
05Regulation
Regulation worldwide
Permitted in the EU, the US, and globally.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.