What is E290?
Carbon dioxide (E290) is a gas used in carbonation, packaging and other technical food functions. Goodnessly rates E290 Safe within its rating system, while food-grade specifications and use conditions still apply.
E290 is carbon dioxide, used to carbonate drinks and manage the atmosphere around selected foods.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Carbon dioxide?
Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas used in food and beverage processing. In food systems it can provide carbonation or help manage packaging atmosphere.
What's it used for?
- Carbonating beverages
- Supporting modified-atmosphere packaging
- Providing a propellant function in selected products
- Supporting acidity-related food functions
Where you'll find E290 on the shelf
It is most relevant to carbonated drinks, packaged foods and products using a food-grade gas for processing or dispensing.
Is E290 permitted? What the regulators say
E290 is permitted or authorised in the three systems checked, with food-grade specifications and use conditions applying.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists carbon dioxide as additive 290; Schedule 15 conditions and food-grade requirements apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E290 carbon dioxide for specified technical uses and conditions. |
| US United States (FDA) | GRAS for intended use | FDA lists carbon dioxide in 21 CFR 184.1240 as GRAS when used in accordance with current good manufacturing practice. |
Goodnessly rates E290 Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product type, gas quality or full formulation.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code, August 2026 compilation, Schedule 15 and additive 290
- EUR-Lex Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 Union list and Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
- FDA 21 CFR 184.1240
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing carbonated drinks
- People interested in packaging gases
- People checking technical ingredients in packaged foods
Goodnessly rates E290 Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbonic gas
- 290 or E290
- Packaging gas
Look for carbon dioxide, carbonic gas, E290/290 or a functional class such as packaging gas.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E290?
E290 is carbon dioxide, a gas used for carbonation, packaging and other technical food functions.
Is E290 permitted?
E290 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. Food-grade specifications and the intended use still matter.
Why is carbon dioxide rated Safe?
Goodnessly rates E290 Safe within its rating system, while the regulatory category and use conditions still matter.
How does Goodnessly rate E290?
Goodnessly rates E290 (carbon dioxide) as Safe.
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