E239 - Хексаметилен тетрамин (Hexamethylene Tetramine)
Author: Marko Balašević
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
January 27, 2026
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Characteristics: The food additive with index E 239 refers to preservatives, is responsible for the storage of products, preventing the growth of fungi and bacteria. The appearance of the stuff
Characteristic
The food additive with index E 239 refers to preservatives, is responsible for the storage of products, preventing the growth of fungi and bacteria. In appearance, the substance is a glassy bead or powder with a slightly sweet taste, without any odor. Obtained by condensation of formaldehyde with ammonia. Impurities: ammonium salt, free formaldehyde and its and its polymers.
Use
The permissible daily amount is 0.15 mg per kilogram of body weight. The additive is banned for use in most countries around the world. In the EU it is allowed in the production of Provolone cheese, but not more than 600 mg / l.
E 239 is used as a binder in the production of resin, rubber - textile adhesives, protein modifier, in the composition of explosives. Under no circumstances should it be used by children!
Impact on humans
It should be noted that E 239 is a cellular poison (given the effects on the body), which is determined by formaldehyde released in an acidic environment. This process is very slow, but methenamine can be used to disinfect the urinary system because it is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. By interacting with the protein of the product being preserved, formaldehyde leads to denaturation and hardening of this substance, so the absorption of the protein decreases sharply. The resulting modified protein substance and its harm have not been determined because formaldehyde is banned for use in the food industry and the use of methenamine is restricted. E 239 is known to cause cancer, allergic reactions,