Hydrogen
Also known as: E949
Hydrogen has been evaluated as a food additive and is assigned E 949 in the EU. In 2025 EFSA re-evaluated E 948 (oxygen) and E 949 (hydrogen) and concluded an ADI is not necessary.
What it is
Hydrogen gas (H2) — molecular hydrogen used as a packaging gas and processing aid.
Packaging gas, hydrogenation processing aid; modifying-atmosphere applications.
What regulators actually say
"GRN No. 520 — Molecular hydrogen — FDA had no questions regarding the conclusion that the substance is GRAS for the intended use."
"Re-evaluation of oxygen (E 948) and hydrogen (E 949) as food additives — EFSA concluded an ADI is not necessary."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
FDA had no questions on GRAS Notice 520 for molecular hydrogen in beverages
European Union — EFSA
Permitted as E 949; EFSA 2025 re-evaluation: no need to set numerical ADI
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