Is Calcium Chloride Safe?
Calcium Chloride is the additive E509 — a mineral salt produced from limestone, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
Is Calcium Chloride safe to eat?
E509 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E509.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Calcium Chloride?
E509 is the E-number for calcium chloride, one of the acidity regulators group of food additives (E500–E599). Additives in this group control the acidity or alkalinity of food. A mineral salt produced from limestone. Like every E-number, E509 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E509 in detail below.
What foods contain Calcium Chloride?
E509 (Calcium Chloride) is typically found in:
- Baked goods
- Soft drinks
- Sweets
- Dairy products and processed foods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calcium Chloride bad for you?
Yes. E509 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Calcium Chloride vegan?
E509 is vegan. A mineral salt produced from limestone, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Calcium Chloride halal?
E509 is halal. A mineral salt produced from limestone, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E509 (Calcium Chloride) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).