日本語
Food additive databaseprocessing agentChecked 2026-10-02

Hexane ヘキサン

Existing food additiveNot on the EU additive list
Purpose
processing agent
On the label
Because it is removed before the food is completed, it counts as a processing aid and is not labeled
Name in the List of Existing Food Additives
ヘキサン (No. 254)
Source and production
A colorless, clear, volatile liquid containing mainly n-hexane (C6H14) (as defined in the compositional specifications; description).

In Japan

  • Used as a solvent to extract fats and oils from raw materials when making edible fats and oils. Under the standards for use, its use is limited to extracting fats and oils in the manufacture of edible fats and oils, and it must be removed before the final food is completed.
  • A substance removed before the food is completed counts as a processing aid and is exempt from labeling (Food Labeling Standards).

Japan's standards for use

  • Only for extracting fats and oils when making edible fats and oils
  • Must be removed before the final food is completed

This is a summary of the standards for use. See the source list for the exact conditions.

In the EU

  • It is not on the EU list of food additives (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II), so it cannot be used as a food additive in the EU.
  • It is not on the EU list of food additives (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II). It is listed as an extraction solvent with conditions of use in Annex I, Part II of the extraction solvents Directive 2009/32/EC (residue up to 1 mg/kg in the production and fractionation of fats and oils, 10 mg/kg in defatted protein products, 30 mg/kg in defatted soy products, and 5 mg/kg in defatted cereal germ).

Sources

Checked 2026-10-02. Rules and evaluations change over time. This page is a translation of our Japanese page; if they differ, the Japanese page is the reference.

This page lists facts stated in laws and in evaluations by public bodies; it is not a safety verdict. Additives used in Japan are approved by the government, which sets the foods and amounts they can be used in. The ADI is a guide to the amount that is considered safe to take every day over a lifetime.

Other substances used as processing agent

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