nitrous oxide
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 一氧化二氮(deepl翻译) |
| English name | nitrous oxide |
| INS/E number | INS 942 |
| Functional class | Antioxidant, Foaming agent, Packaging gas, Propellant |
| Year adopted | 1999 |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
nitrous oxide (INS 942) is a Antioxidant, Foaming agent, Packaging gas, Propellant food additive. Used to slow or prevent oxidative deterioration, discolouration and rancidity.Used to generate or stabilise foam, improving texture and mouthfeel.Used to displace air in packages to preserve, prevent oxidation or inhibit microbes.Used in aerosol packaging to expel food (e.g. cream).
Source
Natural：Some occur naturally in plants and animals (e.g. vitamin C, vitamin E, tea polyphenols).E.g. soy protein, lecithin, gelatin.Gas mixtures of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen.Food-grade gases such as nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen.
Industrial：Some are synthesised or purified (e.g. ascorbyl palmitate, TBHQ).Purified or modified.Purified and filled.Purified and compressed.
Why is it used?
- Delay fat oxidation/rancidity
- Preserve colour and flavour
- Protect oxidisable nutrients
- Generate stable foam
- Improve texture
- Enhance mouthfeel
- Exclude oxygen
- Inhibit microbes
- Maintain freshness
- Provide ejection force
- Create foam texture
- Exclude air for freshness
Common Foods
- Edible oils
- Fat-based products
- Meat products
- Nuts
- Snack foods
- Foam confectionery
- Beverages
- Desserts
- Bakery
- Fresh meat
- Crisps
- Cook-chill foods (MAP)
- Aerosol cream
- Cooking-oil sprays
Safety
Most are nutrients or generally recognised as safe within permitted use; some synthetic antioxidants have scope restrictions.Mostly food proteins or polysaccharides, safe within permitted use.Food-grade inert gases, safe.Gases used are typically inert and edible, safe within permitted use.
Metabolism：Metabolic pathways vary by substance; generally the material is metabolised or excreted normally.
Concerns：
- Use within permitted levels
- Sensitive individuals should check the ingredient list
Usage Standard
China：依据 GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》确定使用范围与最大使用量；具体限值随食品类别而异。
International：
- China GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for Uses of Food Additives：https://www.cfsa.net.cn/
- Codex GSFA General Standard for Food Additives：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/codex-alimentarius/en/
- FAO/WHO JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives)：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/jecfa/en/
- US FDA Substances Added to Food：https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/substances-added-food-previously-food-additive-status-list
- EU EFSA Food Additives：https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-additives
In a nutshell
nitrous oxide is a Antioxidant, Foaming agent, Packaging gas, Propellant, safe for use in food production within permitted limits.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.