Hydrogen
What is Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant chemical element in the universe. In food production, it is often used in its gaseous form or as part of compounds. It can be produced industrially through processes like steam reforming of natural gas or electrolysis of water.
Is Hydrogen vegan?
Hydrogen is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Hydrogen a major allergen?
Hydrogen is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on labels.
What is Hydrogen used for?
Hydrogen is primarily used in the food industry for hydrogenation, a process that converts liquid unsaturated fats into solid or semi-solid fats, improving texture and shelf life.
Is Hydrogen safe?
Hydrogen itself is not typically considered a food additive in the same way as E-numbers.
Why it's used
Hydrogen is primarily used in the food industry for hydrogenation, a process that converts liquid unsaturated fats into solid or semi-solid fats, improving texture and shelf life. This is common in the production of margarines, shortenings, and some baked goods. It can also be used in some flavour production processes.
Health notes
Hydrogen itself is not typically considered a food additive in the same way as E-numbers. Its use in hydrogenation is a chemical process that modifies fats. The resulting hydrogenated fats, particularly trans fats formed during partial hydrogenation, have been linked to adverse health effects by bodies like the NHS and WHO. The UK has taken steps to limit trans fats in foods. EFSA has evaluated the safety of certain hydrogenated oils and fats.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
Allergen info
Hydrogen is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on labels. It is an element and not derived from any of these sources. Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Hydrogen
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