| E239 is a food additive
approved by the European Union (EU) and used as an antibacterial and
antifungal synthetic
preservative in food products, especially cheese.
The common name for E239 is hexamethylene tetramine.
It may also be known as hexamine or methenamine.
E239 becomes metabolised by the liver to then be excreted.
It can be used to treat urinary tract infections, due to
the low/ acidic
pH of the urine in which E239 is hydrolysed. The resultant chemical,
formaldehyde, works as an antiseptic when outside the body (in vitro).
E239 suspected of causing stomach upsets with long
term ingestion. Hexamine may also be carcinogenic and
is currently
banned
in Australia.
It is thought to irritate skin and worsen asthma, as well as provoking
headaches and bronchitis.
Examples of food/drink products that may include E239:
Marinated fish, cheese and caviar.
Note(1) that the list of Food
Additives (E Numbers) included in this section and listed on the left
is subject to change as more chemicals are added by the EU Regulatory
Authorities. IvyRose cannot guarantee that this list complete.
Note(2) These numbers are also used in Australia and
New Zealand but without the E.
Government approvals
and other regulatory details are subject to change.
This
was added on 21 July 2008. If details are important to you, check
with relevant authorities.
|
