E938 · Argon
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E938?
Argon is a colorless, odorless, inert gas naturally present in the atmosphere, used in food packaging as a propellant and to displace oxygen, helping preserve freshness. It is also widely used industrially, such as in metal welding and lightbulb manufacturing, due to its non-reactivity. It is considered safe for food use with no known health concerns at the levels used.
Also appears on labels as: Argon, Ar, E938, E 938, E-938, INS 938, Food Grade Argon, Argon Gas, Inert Gas (Argon), Protective Atmosphere (Argon), Modified Atmosphere Gas (Argon), Argonas.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at food-use levels; inert and non-reactive.
Frequently asked questions
Is E938 safe?
Our overall verdict for E938 (Argon) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E938 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Argon — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E938 and why is it used?
Argon is a colorless, odorless, inert gas naturally present in the atmosphere, used in food packaging as a propellant and to displace oxygen, helping preserve freshness. It is also widely used industrially, such as in metal welding and lightbulb manufacturing, due to its non-reactivity. It is considered safe for food use with no known health concerns at the levels used.
Does E938 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Argon.
Watch E938
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.