E943A · Butane
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E943A?
Butane (E943a) is a colorless, flammable gas used as a propellant in aerosol food products such as cooking sprays and whipped-cream canisters. It does not react with food and is not absorbed in meaningful amounts when used as intended. Note: the main_name on file (\"Bhutan\") appears to be a data error unrelated to the country of Bhutan — this ingredient is the propellant gas Butane.
Also appears on labels as: Bhutanese, Bhutanese Blend, Bhutanese Herbs, Bhutanese Spices, Bhutan Origin, Bhutan Sourced, Butaan, Butan, Butanas, Butane, Butane propellant, Butāns.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at the trace levels used as a food propellant.
- Butane is an asphyxiant and fire hazard in concentrated, non-food industrial exposure (e.g. inhalant misuse), not relevant to normal food consumption.
Frequently asked questions
Is E943A safe?
Our overall verdict for E943A (Butane) 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 E943A vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Butane — 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 E943A and why is it used?
Butane (E943a) is a colorless, flammable gas used as a propellant in aerosol food products such as cooking sprays and whipped-cream canisters. It does not react with food and is not absorbed in meaningful amounts when used as intended. Note: the main_name on file (\"Bhutan\") appears to be a data error unrelated to the country of Bhutan — this ingredient is the propellant gas Butane.
Does E943A contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Butane.
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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.