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Dimethyl Dicarbonate

Also known as: E242, DMDC, methoxycarbonyl methyl carbonate, dicarbonic acid dimethyl ester, Velcorin

Moderate concern

DMDC hydrolyzes within hours into methanol and CO2; methanol formed at permitted use levels is small relative to natural methanol from juices. EFSA re-evaluated and confirmed safe at maximum 250 mg/L.

Found in

3 products

E-number

E242

Type

preservative

What it is

Dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC), a beverage cold-sterilization agent that rapidly hydrolyzes to methanol and CO2 after addition.

Microbial control agent (yeast/mold) in beverages.

Why it's flagged

produces methanol on hydrolysis (small amounts)
irritant to handlers in concentrated form

What regulators actually say

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Regulatory status

United States — FDA

Permitted as a yeast inhibitor in beverages under 21 CFR 172.133.

European Union — EFSA

Re-evaluated by EFSA in 2015; safe at the maximum permitted level of 250 mg/L.

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