E392: Rosemary Extracts
Main role: fat oxidation control
Also listed as: extracts of rosemary, rosemary antioxidant extract
What is E392 (Rosemary Extracts)?
E392 identifies defined extracts of rosemary used for antioxidant performance, particularly in fat-containing foods. The preparation is selected for antioxidant constituents such as carnosic compounds. It is different from simply adding culinary rosemary leaves to season a dish.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is fat oxidation control. An antioxidant additive helps manage oxidation within the food, such as changes in fat, flavor, or color. That technical role is separate from claims that eating the ingredient will provide a particular health benefit.
Food and formulation examples
- Edible oils
- Fat-containing foods
- Selected meat preparations
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E392, E 392, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include extracts of rosemary, rosemary antioxidant extract. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A rosemary-extract preservative is a standardized ingredient rather than a whole herb. A plant origin does not remove the need to check the extract's food-grade specification and permitted use.
Is E392 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E392 as Extracts of rosemary. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.