packaging gas INS 941

Nitrogen E941

propellant, preservative gas — Primarily natural/industrial.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Dinitrogen (N₂)

CAS: 7727-37-9

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Nitrogen occurs naturally in Atmosphere (78% of air) and Most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Nitrogen is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Nitrogen has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Authorized as packaging gas and propellant

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)

Approved for direct addition to food for human consumption

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Approved as packaging gas and propellant

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified (no safety concern)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified (inert gas, no toxicological concern)

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

An inert, colorless, odorless gas that makes up 78% of Earth's atmosphere. Used as a packaging gas to displace oxygen and prevent oxidation, and as a propellant in aerosol products.

Atmosphere (78% of air)Most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere

Manufacturing

Method: fractional distillation of liquid air

Produced industrially by cooling air to liquid state, then fractionally distilling to separate nitrogen from oxygen and other gases. Can also be produced by membrane separation or pressure swing adsorption.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Aerosol propellant in sprays

Medical

Packaging of medicines, liquid nitrogen for cryotherapy

Industrial

Welding, chemical production, semiconductor manufacturing, cryogenics

Household

Draft beer systems (nitrogen widget), aerosol products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nitrogen (E941)?

Nitrogen (E941) is a packaging gas used in food products. It is propellant, preservative gas and natural/industrial. An inert, colorless, odorless gas that makes up 78% of Earth's atmosphere. Used as a packaging gas to displace oxygen and prevent oxidation, and as a propellant in aerosol products.

Where is Nitrogen found naturally?

Nitrogen is naturally found in Atmosphere (78% of air), Most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere. An inert, colorless, odorless gas that makes up 78% of Earth's atmosphere. Used as a packaging gas to displace oxygen and prevent oxidation, and as a propellant in aerosol products.

What is the ADI for Nitrogen?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Nitrogen is Not specified (no safety concern) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Nitrogen?

Nitrogen is used in various food categories including Packaging gas and propellant. It is used as a packaging gas in these products.

Is Nitrogen the same as N2?

Yes, Nitrogen is also known as N2, Nitrogen gas, Molecular nitrogen. These are different names for the same substance.