What is E170?
E170 is Calcium Carbonate — mined from limestone and chalk, though some grades can come from shells or bone, used as a food colouring to help add or restore colour to foods and drinks.
What is E170 (Calcium Carbonate)?
E170 is the E-number for calcium carbonate, one of the food colourings group of food additives (E100–E199). Additives in this group add or restore colour to foods and drinks. Mined from limestone and chalk, though some grades can come from shells or bone. Like every E-number, E170 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 E170 in detail below.
Where is E170 found?
E170 is typically used in sweets, soft drinks, desserts, ice cream, sauces and snacks. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E170) or by its full name, calcium carbonate. Common foods that may contain E170 include:
- Sweets
- Soft drinks
- Desserts
- Ice cream
- Sauces and snacks
Full guide: foods containing E170 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E170 safe?
E170 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 E170.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E170 vegan?
E170 is uncertain for vegans — it is mined from limestone and chalk, though some grades can come from shells or bone, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Full vegan status guide for E170 →Is E170 halal?
E170 is mashbooh (doubtful) — mined from limestone and chalk, though some grades can come from shells or bone. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Full halal status guide for E170 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E170 in food?
E170 is Calcium Carbonate — mined from limestone and chalk, though some grades can come from shells or bone, used as a food colouring to help add or restore colour to foods and drinks.
Is E170 safe to eat?
Yes. E170 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E170 vegan?
E170 is uncertain for vegans — it is mined from limestone and chalk, though some grades can come from shells or bone, and the label doesn't reveal the source. Look for a vegan certification or ask the manufacturer.
Is E170 halal?
E170 is mashbooh (doubtful) — mined from limestone and chalk, though some grades can come from shells or bone. Verify the source with the manufacturer or choose halal-certified products.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).