E948 – Oxygen
PropellantDescription
Colorless, odorless gas produced by fractional distillation of liquid air or electrolysis of water
Notes
Oxygen is the same gas we breathe every day, making up about 21% of the air around us. For food use, it's produced through a process called fractional distillation, where regular air is cooled down until it becomes liquid, then gradually warmed up so that different gases separate out at different temperatures. This allows manufacturers to collect pure oxygen gas. In food packaging, oxygen serves as a packaging gas that helps maintain food quality and appearance. It's commonly used in modified atmosphere packaging for fresh meats, where it helps keep the meat's red color vibrant and appealing. You'll also find it used in some fresh produce packaging and ready-to-eat salads to help maintain freshness during transport and storage. Since oxygen is a completely natural component of air, it's suitable for all diets including organic, vegan, vegetarian, halal, and kosher foods. There are no safety concerns with oxygen as a food additive since we're constantly exposed to it in the air we breathe, and it's essential for life itself.