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Carbon dioxide (E290)
Carbon dioxide is a preservative / packaging gas used in soft drinks, modified-atmosphere packs.. EFSA has published no numeric acceptable daily intake for it.
What it does
The gas in sparkling water.
Where you meet it
Soft drinks, modified-atmosphere packs.
This page describes the general scientific position. Allergies and sensitivities are individual: if your body disagrees with an additive, avoid it regardless of any ADI.
Sources: EFSA — food additives re-evaluations · Open Food Facts — additives taxonomy · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
What is Carbon dioxide (E290)?
Preservative / packaging gas. The gas in sparkling water. It is used in Soft drinks, modified-atmosphere packs.
How much carbon dioxide is safe?
EFSA published no numeric ADI, which usually means the substance is so benign that no limit needed to be set — or that intake is self-limiting. The assessment itself is still a full safety evaluation.
Should I avoid carbon dioxide?
For a healthy adult there is no reason to avoid it at typical intakes. If you have a diagnosed sensitivity or a health condition, your clinician's advice is the one that counts.
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