Hexamethylenetetramine
Score impact
-1.00
points/product
Description
The food additive E239, known as hexamethylenetetramine, is a synthetic preservative used mainly in the cheese industry. It is a heterocyclic organic compound formed by the reaction of formaldehyde and ammonia, with chemical formula C6H12N4. Industrially, it is obtained by synthesis of ammonia and formaldehyde under controlled conditions, followed by crystallization and purification.
It is a white crystalline solid, odorless, with a slightly bitter taste, highly soluble in water and ethanol. Its function as a preservative is based on the slow release of formaldehyde in an acidic environment, which gives it antimicrobial properties, especially against bacteria and fungi.
Hexamethylenetetramine was discovered in 1859 by Butlerov, and its use as a food additive was approved in the European Union in the 1970s. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety on several occasions, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-0.15 mg/kg body weight. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also endorsed this ADI.
Regarding food safety, it is considered safe at authorized doses, although its use is restricted to certain products. On the label, it must appear as 'hexamethylenetetramine' or 'E239'. It is important to note that although formaldehyde is toxic, the controlled release in the gastrointestinal tract does not reach dangerous levels. However, its use has been banned in some countries such as the United States and Japan due to concerns about formaldehyde exposure. In the EU, its use is allowed only in Provolone cheese and brine-cured cheese, with limits of 25 mg/kg expressed as free formaldehyde.
EFSA has concluded that there are no health risks at authorized use levels, but recommends monitoring total formaldehyde exposure from all sources.
E239 is used exclusively as a preservative in dairy products, specifically in Provolone cheese and brine-cured cheeses (such as Feta, Mozzarella).
In the Spanish market, it is found in imported cheeses or Italian specialties. According to EC Regulation 1333/2008, the maximum authorized limit is 25 mg/kg of final product, expressed as free formaldehyde. This limit is low compared to other preservatives, and its use is highly restricted. In the United States, the FDA does not allow its use in food, and it is also banned in Japan. In the EU, it is only authorized for these two types of cheese, and is not allowed in other foods.
The reason for this restriction is that hexamethylenetetramine releases formaldehyde, a compound classified as carcinogenic by IARC when inhaled, although evidence by ingestion is limited. Therefore, its use is limited to products where formaldehyde release is low and controlled.
In practice, it is added during cheese manufacturing to prevent the growth of unwanted microorganisms, especially during curing. Consumers can identify it in the ingredient list as 'hexamethylenetetramine' or 'E239'.
Documented side effects of E239 are related to the release of formaldehyde. In animal studies, high doses have caused gastrointestinal irritation and liver damage. In humans, acute exposure to formaldehyde can cause mucosal irritation, but the amounts released by E239 in food are very low.
EFSA, in its 2007 evaluation, concluded that there is no evidence of adverse effects in humans at estimated intake levels (0.15 mg/kg/day). However, sensitive populations such as people with allergies or asthma could experience mild reactions. No drug interactions have been reported. The biological mechanism involves acid hydrolysis in the stomach, releasing formaldehyde that acts locally as an antimicrobial.
Formaldehyde is rapidly metabolized to formic acid and excreted. WHO and EFSA consider E239 safe at authorized doses, but recommend caution due to possible cumulative formaldehyde exposure from other sources (environment, cosmetics).
In conclusion, side effects are minimal under normal use conditions, but its ban in some countries reflects controversy over its long-term safety.
- Hexamine
- Methenamine
- Urotropine
- Formin
- 7-Tetraazatricyclo[3.3.1.1³
- ⁷]decane
Classification:
Statistics
23
total views
Something wrong?
If you notice incorrect or incomplete information, help us improve the platform.