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Hexamethylenetetramine(E239)

Level 3 — ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Hexamethylenetetramine is a preservative — Urinary antibacterial; used in Provolone cheese production

Also: Methenamine, HMT

What it does

Urinary antibacterial; used in Provolone cheese production

Where you'll see it

Provolone cheese

What the research says

Studies at Italy's University of Milan concluded no appreciable health risk from cheese made with this additive.

Regulatory status

  • EU: approved

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): concluded there was no appreciable health risk from ingestion of cheese made with this additive