1. Home
  2. Ecolink News
  3. MEK In Food Products

MEK In Food Products

What Is MEK?

MEK–also known as Methyl Ethyl Ketone or 2-Butanone–is a solvent similar in structure to acetone.

MEK Common Applications

MEK is a solvent that is often applied as an industrial cleaner. It is utilized in the manufacturing of plastic, textiles, and paraffin wax. MEK can be found in certain glues, dry-erase markers, and vinyl film and is also used in varnish, lacquer, and paint removers. It is a component of the adhesive commonly used to form polyvinyl chloride or PVC pipes and is used in the production of lubrication oils, and magnetic tape.

Naturally Occurring MEK

A little known fact about Methyl Ethyl Ketone is that it is a naturally occurring component of some food products including apple juice, beans, chicken, and honey.

Methyl Ketones are very commonly found in dairy products such as milk, butter, and cheese. In their natural form they are alkanoic acids, and once heated they transform into methyl ketones.

Methyl Ketones in dairy greatly contributes to natural flavors in many heated or cooked food products that contain butter.

MEK is also produced naturally by some trees, bacteria and seaweeds.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone is naturally produced in the tobacco plant, and is therefore a byproduct of tobacco smoke.

Safe Use of MEK

The levels of MEK that are present in plants and some foods are not enough to be harmful.

It is not advised to ingest larger quantities of MEK than are naturally found in food substances, because it has a chance to cause inflammation of the mouth and an upset stomach. Inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact for a prolonged period of time can cause dizziness, headache, slurred speech, low body temperature, drowsiness, and coma.

Eye contact can cause irritation and redness.

Serious eye contact can cause permanent damage.

MEK is not only harmful to inhale; it is most harmful to the environment as an air pollutant.

This environmental and safety hazard is why MEK is ideally used in a well-ventilated area.

Safe Handling of MEK

  • Do not use MEK around any ignition sources, as it is highly flammable.
  • Air mixtures of MEK are explosive.
  • Store separately from strong oxidants and acids.
  • Store in a cool, dry area.
  • Use only in a well-ventilated area.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after use.

If you would like to purchase Methyl Ethyl Ketone please call (800)-563-1305 or shop online here.

mek in food

Search here

Don’t forget to share this post!

Suggested Blog Posts

View all News
By Ecolink Team
Vehicle Maintenance
May 07 2025

Vehicle Maintenance: Keeping Your Fleet in Top Condition

For many business operations, a well-maintained fleet of vehicles is not only a functional necessity; it is a reflection of a company’s commitment to efficiency and...
By Ecolink Team
Mechanical Cleaning Process
May 05 2025

Mechanical Cleaning Process: Methods and Equipment Overview

The mechanical cleaning process has emerged as a cornerstone for achieving optimal equipment performance in industrial maintenance. Industries- no matter their size or...
By Ecolink Team
Mechanical cleaning
May 02 2025

Mechanical Cleaning: Essential Techniques for Industrial Maintenance

In industrial maintenance, cleaning stands out as a fundamental process for ensuring optimal equipment performance and prolonging the lifespan of machinery. This method...
By Ecolink Team
Cleaning Electrical Contacts
Apr 30 2025

Cleaning Electrical Contacts: 5 Tips for Effective Maintenance

Electrical contacts are important circuit components found in machines and electrical equipment that are made from conductive materials. When two contacts touch, they...
By Ecolink Team
Electrical Cleaning Solvents
Apr 28 2025

Top 3 Electrical Cleaning Solvents to Extend Equipment Life

Manufacturers utilize various electrical equipment for industrial tasks daily. Electrical equipment can aid in production time and complete tasks efficiently. However,...
By Ecolink Team
Industrial White Oil
Apr 25 2025

Industrial White Oil: Applications and Benefits in Different Sectors

White oil, also known as mineral oil is a colorless mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. Manufacturers from multiple industries use liquid petroleum in many...
By Ecolink Team
White Oil Lubricant
Apr 23 2025

White Oil Lubricant: Discover Smooth Operations in Machinery

Machinery plays an enormous role in manufacturing. Without machines, many industries would struggle to meet production demands and would shut down. Businesses ensure...
By Ecolink Team
What Does the Military Use to Clean Weapons?
Apr 21 2025

What Does the Military Use to Clean Weapons? 3 Common Solutions

Just like with machines, it’s important that weapons are cleaned and well-maintained to prevent accidents from occurring.   In this blog post, we’re going to take a...
By Ecolink Team
PFAS MEANING DEFINITIONS
Apr 18 2025

PFAS Meaning & Definition: What You Need to Know About ‘Forever Chemicals’

What are PFAS chemicals? And why are they called “forever chemicals?”  If you find yourself asking these questions, you’re not alone. Research shows that 97% of...
By Ecolink Team
EPA PFAS NEWS
Apr 16 2025

Current State of PFAS Regulations: Chemical Alternatives with Ecolink

As more dangers of PFAS come to light, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to implement new strategies to minimize these toxic chemicals from...
View all News