What is E242?
E242 is Dimethyl dicarbonate, a food additive used as a preservative. Synthetic. Breaks down in the drink.
Also written as: INS 242, E-242, E 242. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E242 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E242 (Dimethyl dicarbonate) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Why we classify it this way
Halal Synthetic. Breaks down in the drink.
Basis: No concern found. Made from plants, minerals, fermentation or synthesis, or from a permitted animal product. Nothing in normal production raises a pork, alcohol, insect or slaughter question.
No external reference is listed for this record yet.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E242 halal?
E242 (Dimethyl dicarbonate) is halal. Synthetic. Breaks down in the drink.
What is E242 made from?
Synthetic.
What is E242 used for?
E242 is used as a preservative, typically in soft drinks, bread, cured meats, dried fruit and sauces.
What should I do if a product contains E242?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E242 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E242 (Dimethyl dicarbonate) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.