Carbon dioxide
What is Carbon dioxide?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring gas that is colourless and odourless. It is produced during respiration, fermentation, and combustion. In food production, it is often captured from industrial processes or produced by chemical reactions.
Is Carbon dioxide vegan?
Carbon dioxide is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Carbon dioxide gluten-free?
Gluten is not present.
Is Carbon dioxide a major allergen?
Carbon dioxide is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Carbon dioxide used for?
Carbon dioxide is primarily used as a propellant and effervescent agent in carbonated beverages, creating the fizz and mouthfeel.
Is Carbon dioxide safe?
Carbon dioxide is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Carbon dioxide is primarily used as a propellant and effervescent agent in carbonated beverages, creating the fizz and mouthfeel. It can also be used as a preservative in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to extend the shelf life of certain foods by inhibiting microbial growth.
Health notes
Carbon dioxide is authorised as a food additive in the UK and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It has been evaluated by EFSA, which has not set a numeric acceptable daily intake (ADI) for it, considering it to be a substance with no safety concerns at current levels of intake. At typical consumption levels in carbonated drinks, it is not associated with adverse health effects. There are no notable controversies regarding its safety in food.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
Allergen info
Carbon dioxide is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. Gluten is not present.
Foods that contain Carbon dioxide
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