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E290 Carbon Dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas widely used in food and beverage applications as a carbonation gas, packaging gas, and processing aid, and E290 Carbon Dioxide is valued for creating effervescence, supporting product freshness, and helping protect foods from oxidation and microbial growth in certain packaging systems.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used to carbonate soft drinks, sparkling water, beer, and other beverages, and E290 Carbon Dioxide is also used in modified atmosphere packaging to extend shelf life of many foods.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is supplied as compressed gas, liquefied gas, or solid dry ice, and E290 Carbon Dioxide performance depends on purity, pressure, temperature, and the target application system.
CAS Number: 124-38-9
EC Number: 204-696-9
Molecular Formula: CO2
Molecular Weight: 44.01 g/mol
Synonyms: E290 Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Dioxide, CO2, Sweetener and Packaging Gas (application term), Carbon Dioxide Food Grade, Carbonic Acid Gas (common naming), Beverage Carbonation Gas, Modified Atmosphere Packaging Gas, Dry Ice (solid CO2), E290, Food Grade CO2, Carbon Dioxide Processing Gas, E290 Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Dioxide, Carbonic Acid Gas, Carbonic Anhydride, Carbonic Acid Anhydride, Carbonic Oxide, Carbon Oxide, Carbon(IV) Oxide, Carbonic Gas, CO2, CO₂, Carbon Dioxide Gas, Liquid Carbon Dioxide, Solid Carbon Dioxide, Dry Ice, Carbon Dioxide Food Grade, Carbon Dioxide Technical Grade, Carbon Dioxide Pharmaceutical Grade, Carbon Dioxide Industrial Grade, Carbon Dioxide Beverage Grade, Carbon Dioxide USP, Carbon Dioxide FCC, Carbon Dioxide EP, Carbon Dioxide BP, Carbon Dioxide JP, Carbon Dioxide NF, Carbon Dioxide Food Additive, Carbon Dioxide Propellant, Carbon Dioxide Carbonating Agent, Carbon Dioxide Packaging Gas, Carbon Dioxide Inert Gas, Carbon Dioxide Shielding Gas, Carbon Dioxide Refrigerant, Carbon Dioxide Cryogenic Grade, Carbon Dioxide Compressed Gas, Carbon Dioxide Liquefied Gas, Carbon Dioxide Pressurized Gas, Carbon Dioxide Gas USP, Carbon Dioxide Gas FCC, Carbon Dioxide CAS 124-38-9, Carbon Dioxide E290, E290, INS 290, E 290, Carbon Dioxide INS 290, Carbon Dioxide E-290, Carbonic Acid Gas E290
APPLICATIONS
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in carbonated soft drinks to create carbonation, effervescence, and refreshing mouthfeel.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is incorporated into sparkling water to provide clean fizz and crisp sensory profile.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in beer and cider processing to control carbonation level and maintain product consistency.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in beverage bottling and canning to purge oxygen from containers before filling, reducing oxidation risk.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is incorporated into beverage lines to maintain inert headspace conditions and protect flavor stability.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in draft beverage systems to provide pressure for dispensing and to maintain carbonation.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in modified atmosphere packaging to slow oxidation and inhibit growth of certain spoilage microorganisms in foods.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is incorporated into MAP gas mixes for meat and poultry packaging to help maintain freshness and shelf life.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in cheese packaging to reduce mold growth and support longer storage stability.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in bakery packaging to reduce mold growth and extend shelf life in packaged breads and cakes.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is incorporated into snack packaging atmospheres to help maintain freshness and reduce rancidity.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in coffee packaging to reduce oxygen exposure and protect aroma compounds.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used as dry ice for rapid cooling and temperature control during food transport and processing.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is incorporated into cold chain logistics to maintain low temperatures without leaving liquid residues.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used for quick chilling in food production where rapid cooling improves safety and quality.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in food processing for inerting tanks and mixers to reduce oxidation during mixing and storage.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is incorporated into oil and fat handling systems to reduce oxidative degradation.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in fermentation processes to manage headspace conditions and safety in beverage production.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in freezing and chilling applications such as cryogenic tunnels and surface freezing for certain products.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is incorporated into cold processing to improve handling and reduce sticking in compatible systems.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is used in food service to create special effects and rapid cooling in culinary applications where safe handling is ensured.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is valued because E290 Carbon Dioxide provides carbonation, protective packaging atmosphere, and cooling capabilities that support product quality, shelf life, and efficient processing in many food and beverage operations.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used to carbonate soft drinks and sparkling waters.
E290 Carbon dioxide provides effervescence, mouthfeel, and characteristic carbonated bite.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps reduce dissolved oxygen and supports beverage freshness.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in beer and cider production for carbonation and dispensing.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports stable foam formation and sensory sparkle in beer.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps maintain package pressure and protect flavor during storage.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in wine and sparkling wine processes for inert blanketing and carbonation in some products.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports protection against oxidation during transfers and storage.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps maintain freshness in sparkling wine and frizzante styles.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in beverage packaging as a headspace gas to reduce oxygen exposure.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports modified atmosphere conditions in some beverage packages.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps slow flavor degradation by limiting oxidative reactions.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fresh meat and poultry.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports inhibition of spoilage microorganisms in refrigerated packs.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps extend shelf life when combined with cold chain control.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in MAP for fish and seafood to reduce spoilage and maintain quality.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports microbial control and odor reduction in chilled seafood packs.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps extend shelf life in suitable gas mixtures.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in MAP for cheese and dairy products to reduce mold growth.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports inhibition of surface spoilage in packaged cheese.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps maintain product quality during distribution.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in MAP for bakery and snacks to help reduce mold and staling in some systems.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports reduced oxygen conditions in sealed packs.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps improve shelf stability of packaged baked goods in some cases.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in fresh produce packaging to help slow respiration in some produce systems.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports controlled atmosphere storage for certain fruits and vegetables.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps maintain quality and reduce spoilage under defined conditions.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in controlled atmosphere storage for apples and other fruits.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports slowed ripening and reduced storage losses.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps maintain firmness and reduce decay in long-term storage.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used as a processing aid in food freezing and chilling.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports rapid cooling when used as dry ice or in CO2 snow systems.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps reduce microbial growth by lowering product temperature quickly.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used as dry ice for cold-chain transport of food and pharmaceuticals.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports stable low temperatures during shipping.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps protect temperature-sensitive products without liquid water melt.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in ice cream manufacturing to create low-temperature cooling during handling in some operations.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports rapid cooling and reduced microbial risk in cold processing steps.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps improve logistics for frozen product distribution.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in food processing for cryogenic grinding of spices and herbs.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports brittle fracture of materials at low temperatures for efficient milling.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps reduce aroma loss by limiting heat generation during grinding.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used for cryogenic pelletizing and cooling in some extrusion operations.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports rapid cooling of extrudates and improved shape retention.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps reduce sticking and improves throughput in some lines.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used for inert blanketing in edible oil and fat storage tanks.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports reduced oxygen contact to limit rancidity.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps protect flavor and color of oxidation-sensitive oils.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in coffee packaging to create modified atmosphere conditions.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports reduced oxygen exposure for roasted coffee.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps slow staling and preserve aroma compounds.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in nitrogen-CO2 gas mixes for coffee beverages and draft systems in some applications.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports pressure and texture in draft coffee and cocktail-style beverages.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps create consistent dispensing performance.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in draft beverage dispensing systems for soda fountains and beer taps.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports pressure control and consistent flow.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps maintain carbonation level during dispensing.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in aquaculture and water treatment to adjust pH and alkalinity in some processes.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports controlled acidification by forming carbonic acid in water.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps stabilize pH in specific treatment and cultivation systems.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in wastewater treatment to provide pH control in some neutralization processes.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports gentle pH reduction compared with strong mineral acids.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps improve safety and handling in some treatment plants.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in beverage manufacturing to purge tanks and lines before filling.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports removal of oxygen from packaging equipment.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps improve product shelf life by reducing oxidative load.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in pharmaceuticals as a cryogenic and inerting gas in some processes.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports low-temperature transport for certain biologics using dry ice.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps maintain cold chain integrity for temperature-sensitive drugs.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in laboratories as an incubator gas for cell culture.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports controlled pH in bicarbonate-buffered cell culture media.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps maintain physiological culture conditions for mammalian cells.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in fire suppression systems as an extinguishing agent in some applications.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports oxygen displacement to suppress flames in enclosed spaces.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps protect sensitive electrical equipment compared with water-based systems.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in welding as a shielding gas or in shielding gas mixtures.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports arc stability and penetration in certain welding processes.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps improve cost efficiency in some shielding gas blends.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in metal fabrication for laser cutting assist gas in some applications.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports removal of molten material and improved cut quality in certain systems.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps optimize cutting performance depending on metal type and parameters.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in greenhouses to enrich CO2 levels and increase plant growth rates.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports improved photosynthesis under controlled enrichment.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps increase yields in greenhouse horticulture when climate and nutrients are balanced.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in algae cultivation to provide inorganic carbon for growth.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports biomass production in photobioreactors.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps improve productivity in algae-based processes under controlled conditions.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in chemical manufacturing as a feedstock for carbonate and urea-related chemistry in some processes.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports synthesis routes that convert CO2 into useful chemicals.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps enable carbon utilization projects in specialty chemical production.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in supercritical CO2 extraction to remove caffeine from coffee.
E290 Carbon dioxide supports selective extraction of caffeine without harsh organic solvents.
E290 Carbon dioxide helps preserve flavor compounds in decaffeinated coffee.
DESCRIPTION
E290 Carbon Dioxide is a naturally occurring gas present in the atmosphere and produced during fermentation and combustion, and food-grade E290 Carbon Dioxide is purified to meet strict quality requirements.
E290 Carbon Dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, and this reaction creates the characteristic acidity and fizz in carbonated beverages.
E290 Carbon Dioxide inhibits growth of some microorganisms by lowering surface pH and altering microbial metabolism in packaged foods, but effectiveness depends on product type, temperature, and packaging conditions.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is supplied as compressed gas in cylinders, as liquefied gas in bulk tanks, and as solid dry ice for cooling applications.
E290 Carbon Dioxide is heavier than air, so E290 Carbon Dioxide can accumulate in low-lying areas and displace oxygen, creating an asphyxiation hazard in poorly ventilated spaces.
E290 Carbon Dioxide cylinders and bulk systems are high-pressure systems, so safe handling procedures and proper regulators are required.
E290 Carbon Dioxide should be used with appropriate ventilation and gas monitoring in industrial environments, especially in enclosed areas.
E290 Carbon Dioxide dry ice is extremely cold and can cause frostbite, so insulated gloves and safe handling practices are required.
E290 Carbon Dioxide should be stored and handled according to supplier specifications and applicable safety regulations.
E290 Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is widely used as a food additive for carbonation and packaging.
E290 Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, which creates the characteristic sharpness of carbonated drinks.
E290 Carbon dioxide is supplied as compressed gas, liquefied gas, or solid dry ice depending on application.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used in foods and beverages for carbonation, inerting, and modified atmosphere packaging.
E290 Carbon dioxide has antimicrobial effects in some packaged foods by inhibiting growth of certain spoilage organisms.
E290 Carbon dioxide also functions as a cryogenic cooling agent when used as dry ice or CO2 snow.
E290 Carbon dioxide is used industrially for welding, fire suppression, greenhouse enrichment, and supercritical extraction.
E290 Carbon dioxide handling requires appropriate ventilation because high concentrations can displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation risk.
E290 Carbon dioxide storage requires pressure-rated cylinders or tanks and correct safety procedures.
E290 Carbon dioxide is valued for versatility, inerting capability, and broad usefulness across food, industrial, and laboratory applications.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: CO2
Molecular Weight: 44.01 g/mol
Common Name: E290 Carbon Dioxide
Chemical Type: Food gas; carbonation gas; packaging gas; processing aid
Appearance: Colorless gas; liquefied gas under pressure; white solid as dry ice
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Slightly acidic when dissolved in water (carbonic acid formation)
Solubility: Soluble in water (solubility increases with pressure and decreases with temperature)
Sublimation Point: -78.5°C (dry ice; typical)
Critical Point: 31.0°C and 73.8 bar (typical)
Density: Heavier than air (gas)
Flammability: Non-flammable
Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Storage: Stored under pressure in suitable cylinders or tanks; dry ice stored in ventilated insulated containers
Shelf Life: Not applicable as a gas; depends on container integrity and purity maintenance
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air immediately if exposure is suspected.
If breathing is difficult, seek medical attention and provide oxygen if trained personnel are available.
If the person is not breathing, begin rescue breathing and call emergency services immediately.
Skin Contact (liquid CO2 or dry ice):
Warm the affected area gradually with lukewarm water and do not rub.
Remove contaminated clothing if not stuck to skin.
Seek medical attention for frostbite or persistent pain.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water if irritation occurs from cold exposure or particles.
For cold burns, seek immediate medical attention.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Ingestion:
Not a typical route of exposure.
If dry ice is ingested, seek immediate medical attention due to cold injury risk.
Rinse mouth with water if possible and do not induce vomiting.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Assess for asphyxiation exposure and provide oxygen support as needed.
Treat cold burns or frostbite according to standard medical practice.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE and correct regulators for pressurized cylinders and bulk systems.
Ensure good ventilation and avoid releasing CO2 in confined spaces.
Handle dry ice with insulated gloves and avoid direct skin contact.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where CO2 may be released.
Use gas monitoring in enclosed or low-lying areas where CO2 can accumulate.
Never enter confined spaces with suspected CO2 accumulation without proper safety procedures.
Storage:
Store cylinders upright and secured, away from heat sources and physical damage.
Store bulk CO2 tanks according to supplier guidance and local regulations.
Store dry ice in insulated, ventilated containers and never in sealed airtight containers.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Ventilate the area and stop the leak if safe to do so.
Evacuate confined spaces and monitor oxygen levels if significant release occurs.
Allow dry ice to sublimate in a well-ventilated area and avoid direct handling without gloves.
Handling Precautions:
Treat E290 Carbon Dioxide as an asphyxiant and prioritize ventilation and monitoring in any enclosed space.
Use correct pressure control and relief devices because CO2 systems operate at high pressure.
Train personnel on cylinder handling, regulator use, and dry ice safety to prevent injuries and incidents.
