What is E578?
E578 is Calcium Gluconate — the calcium salt of gluconic acid, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
What is E578 (Calcium Gluconate)?
E578 is the E-number for calcium gluconate, one of the acidity regulators group of food additives (E500–E599). Additives in this group control the acidity or alkalinity of food. The calcium salt of gluconic acid. Like every E-number, E578 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 E578 in detail below.
Where is E578 found?
E578 is typically used in baked goods, soft drinks, sweets, dairy products and processed foods. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E578) or by its full name, calcium gluconate. Common foods that may contain E578 include:
- Baked goods
- Soft drinks
- Sweets
- Dairy products and processed foods
Full guide: foods containing E578 and how to spot it on labels →
Is E578 safe?
E578 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 E578.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
Is E578 vegan?
E578 is vegan. The calcium salt of gluconic acid, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E578 →Is E578 halal?
E578 is halal. The calcium salt of gluconic acid, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E578 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E578 in food?
E578 is Calcium Gluconate — the calcium salt of gluconic acid, used as a acidity regulator to help control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
Is E578 safe to eat?
Yes. E578 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E578 vegan?
E578 is vegan. The calcium salt of gluconic acid, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E578 halal?
E578 is halal. The calcium salt of gluconic acid, with no haram source involved.
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).