Nitrous oxide E942
packaging gas, aerating agent β Primarily synthetic/industrial.
Dinitrogen monoxide (NβO)
CAS: 10024-97-2
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?
Nitrous oxide occurs naturally in Atmospheric trace gas (0.00003%) and Produced by soil bacteria. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.
Beyond food, Nitrous oxide 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, Nitrous oxide has a "quantum satis" authorization β 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)
Authorized as propellant and packaging gas
United States (FDA)
Approved for direct addition to food as propellant and aerating agent
Japan (MHLW)
Approved as propellant
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Everyday Perspective
For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:
Natural Occurrence
A colorless, sweet-smelling gas with mild anesthetic properties. Best known as 'laughing gas' in dentistry, but widely used in food industry as a propellant for whipped cream and aerosol products.
Manufacturing
Produced industrially by carefully controlled thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate at 240-270Β°C. The gas is purified, compressed, and stored in steel cylinders for food and medical use.
Applications Beyond Food
Aerosol propellant in hair spray and other sprays
Dental anesthesia, surgical anesthesia (laughing gas)
Rocket propellant, race car engine booster, semiconductor manufacturing
Whipped cream chargers (N2O cartridges), automotive performance