E 939 Helium

What is E 939?

E 939 is the E number of Helium. Noble gas that can be used as a protective gas in food packaging.

What is E 939 used for?

E 939 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as packaging gas.

• Packaging gas: Packaging gases are introduced into a container before, during or after filling.

Which foods may contain E 939?

According to the European Commission's database, E 939 may be used in 68 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 939 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 939 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 939 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Packaging gas: E 939" or "Packaging gas: Helium".