E242 - Dimethyldicarbonat

Origin

Dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC), also known as velcorin, is a synthetic chemical compound. It is produced by the reaction of dimethyl carbonate with carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. It was developed by Bayer AG in the late 1960s.

Usage

DMDC is used as a preservative, specifically as a cold sterilization agent in beverages. It is particularly effective against yeasts, molds, and bacteria. It is commonly used in the production of wine, beer, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages like juice and sports drinks. DMDC is added to the beverage just before packaging. It rapidly degrades into small amounts of methanol and carbon dioxide, both of which are naturally present in these beverages. The amount of methanol produced is insignificant and does not pose a health risk. DMDC is effective at low concentrations, typically ranging from 25 to 200 mg/L, depending on the application and the target microorganisms. It is not intended to be used as a general preservative for all food products, but rather for specific beverages where pasteurization is not feasible or desirable.

Side Effects

DMDC is generally considered safe for its intended use. The rapid degradation into methanol and carbon dioxide minimizes the potential for adverse health effects. Regulatory bodies have established acceptable levels for DMDC in beverages. However, direct contact with concentrated DMDC can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingestion of large quantities of DMDC before it degrades could potentially lead to methanol toxicity, but this is highly unlikely under normal usage conditions. There is no evidence to suggest that DMDC is carcinogenic or mutagenic.

Regulatory Status

DMDC is approved for use as a food additive in many countries, including the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, it is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under 21 CFR 172.133. In the European Union, it is designated as E242 and is subject to specific purity criteria and usage restrictions outlined in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012. The Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated the safety of DMDC and have established acceptable daily intakes (ADI) or have concluded that its use at permitted levels does not pose a health risk. There is no numerical ADI established, as it is used at levels that rapidly degrade into naturally occurring substances.