E949 · Hydrogen
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E949?
Hydrogen (E949) is a colorless, odorless, highly flammable gas used in small amounts as a packaging gas in food, sometimes combined with other gases to reduce oxidation. It is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. As a food additive it does not react with the food itself and is not a source of nutrition.
Also appears on labels as: Hydrogen, H2, Molecular hydrogen, Dihydrogen, Hydrogen gas, Compressed hydrogen, Gaseous hydrogen, Elemental hydrogen, Hydrogen (E 949), E949, E 949, E-949.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels.
- Highly flammable in concentrated form, which is an industrial handling consideration rather than a food-consumption risk.
Research behind the verdict
- Hydrogenated Poly-1-decene (E907) – Safety Review — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2013). Synthetic wax; EFSA ADI 6 mg/kg bw/day; safe within ADI.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E949 safe?
Our overall verdict for E949 (Hydrogen) 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 E949 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Hydrogen — 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 E949 and why is it used?
Hydrogen (E949) is a colorless, odorless, highly flammable gas used in small amounts as a packaging gas in food, sometimes combined with other gases to reduce oxidation. It is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. As a food additive it does not react with the food itself and is not a source of nutrition.
Does E949 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Hydrogen.
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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.