Hexamethylenetetramine

Synthetic preservative with antibacterial microbial activity. Hardly effective against yeasts and moulds.

From a food technology point of view, the substance is approved as a food additive (E 239) with restrictions in the EU. Splits off formaldehyde (formalin) (see also formaldehyde splitter). This process causes the antibacterial effectiveness. At the same time added enzymes are inactivated. The health evaluation of the modified protein is unclear.

The use of hexamethylenetetramine is limited to the Italian cheese type Provolone.

Further use as:

• animal feed
• Preservative in cosmetics
• Curing agent for glue.

Hexamethylenetetramine is used medicinally for urinary tract infections.