Hidrojen

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

A colourless, odourless and highly flammable diatomic gas (H2), produced mainly by steam reforming of natural gas followed by pressure-swing adsorption purification, and on a small scale by water electrolysis.

Where it is used

Used as a packaging gas and propellant. In the EU it is authorised at quantum satis in all food categories, including foods for infants and young children, and may be used at the same level in food additive preparations, food enzymes and nutrient preparations.

Health note

In its 2025 re-evaluation (EFSA Journal 2025;23(8):9595) EFSA assessed hydrogen together with oxygen, concluding that it is of low toxicological concern, that dietary exposure is very low and that its use does not raise a safety concern. The Panel reported that the establishment of ADIs for these compounds is unnecessary.

Halal assessment

Its source is natural gas or water; production is a chemical and physical process and no animal input is reported. Consult the manufacturer's halal certificate for a definitive answer.