E239

Hexamethylene tetramine

E Number E239
Name Hexamethylene tetramine
Class Preservatives
Groups
Additional details Preservative, antibiotic
Origin Synthetic
Common applications Fish and shellfish products, caviar, and cheeses. It is also used in medicine as antiseptic and in some cosmetic products.
Observations At low dose may cause allergic reactions, urticaria, stomach and urinary disorders and at high doses may induce mutagenic reactions and even being carcinogenic.
Evaluation To avoid

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Conditions of use in food categories

Category Number Category Name Maximum Level (mg/l or mg/kg as appropriate) Details Restrictions/exceptions
01.7.2 Ripened cheese25 mg/kg residual amount, expressed as formaldehydeonly Provolone cheese