E939 · Helium
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E939?
Helium is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic noble gas used in food packaging as a propellant and inert filling gas. It is also well known for filling balloons, cooling MRI magnets, and use in aerospace applications. It is considered safe for food use, with no known health concerns at the levels used in packaging.
Also appears on labels as: Helium, He, E939, E 939, E-939, INS 939, Inert gas Helium, Gas Helium, Helis, Hēlijs, Heelium, Hel.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at food-use levels; inert and non-reactive.
Frequently asked questions
Is E939 safe?
Our overall verdict for E939 (Helium) 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 E939 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Helium — 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 E939 and why is it used?
Helium is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic noble gas used in food packaging as a propellant and inert filling gas. It is also well known for filling balloons, cooling MRI magnets, and use in aerospace applications. It is considered safe for food use, with no known health concerns at the levels used in packaging.
Does E939 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Helium.
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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.