E942 · Nitric oxide
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E942?
Nitric oxide (E942) is a reactive gas once permitted in the EU as a packaging gas for some products, though it is now rarely used in food and has been withdrawn from the EU list of authorized additives in most applications. In the body it is naturally produced as a signaling molecule that helps regulate blood flow. As a food additive it has no nutritional role and its use is largely historic.
Also appears on labels as: Nitric oxide, NO, Nitrogen monoxide, Mononitrogen monoxide, Nitrogen oxide (NO), Oxide of nitrogen (I), Ekaoxygen nitrogen, Nitrosyl radical, Gaseous nitric oxide, NO gas, Nitric oxide (food grade), Nitrogen monoxide gas.
What the evidence says
- Rarely used in food today; not broadly authorized as a food additive in the EU/US, so exposure from food is minimal.
- High concentrations of the gas are toxic to the respiratory system in occupational settings (not a food-consumption concern at authorized levels).
Frequently asked questions
Is E942 safe?
Our overall verdict for E942 (Nitric oxide) 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 E942 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Nitric oxide — 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 E942 and why is it used?
Nitric oxide (E942) is a reactive gas once permitted in the EU as a packaging gas for some products, though it is now rarely used in food and has been withdrawn from the EU list of authorized additives in most applications. In the body it is naturally produced as a signaling molecule that helps regulate blood flow. As a food additive it has no nutritional role and its use is largely historic.
Does E942 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Nitric oxide.
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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.