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Calcium Carbonate (E170) — What You Need to Know

Safe(10/10)Natural

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Calcium Carbonate?

Calcium Carbonate is a common naturally occurring mineral found in chalk, limestone, and marble. In food applications, it serves as a white coloring agent, acidity regulator, anti-caking agent, and calcium fortifier. It is one of the most widely used food additives and dietary supplements worldwide.

What Is It Used For?

Used as a white food coloring, flour fortifier, acidity regulator, and calcium supplement in baked goods, dairy products, and confectionery. Also widely used in antacids and calcium supplements.

Function: White food coloring, acidity regulator, and calcium supplement
500 mg
Dataset exposure estimate

Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not specified (quantum satis) mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Quantum satis — considered safe, no numerical limit as a food additive
⚠️ Key Concerns

One of the most common minerals on Earth. Used as both a food color (white) and a calcium supplement. Essential nutrient — recommended daily calcium intake is 1000-1200mg for adults. EFSA classifies as quantum satis (no safety limit). Upper tolerable intake level for calcium from all sources set at 2500 mg/day for adults. No safety concerns when used as a food additive. Also used in flour fortification in the UK (mandatory since 1953).

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Calcium Carbonate an editorial context label of Safe with a score of 10/10. This is 4.2 points above the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2011.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

BreadFlour fortificationAntacidsCalcium supplementsChewing gumToothpaste
Example brands:
Tums (antacid)Caltrate (supplement)Colgate

Always check the label for E170 or 'Calcium Carbonate'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: CaCO3
Molecular Weight: 100.09 g/mol
CAS Number: 471-34-1
INS Number: 170
Also known as: E170, Chalk, Limestone, CI Pigment White 18, INS 170

Frequently Asked Questions about Calcium Carbonate

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe); EFSA/EU — Quantum satis — considered safe, no numerical limit as a food additive. Reported concerns: One of the most common minerals on Earth. Used as both a food color (white) and a calcium supplement. Essential nutrient — recommended daily calcium intake is 1000-1200mg for adults. EFSA classifies as quantum satis (no safety limit). Upper tolerable intake level for calcium from all sources set at 2500 mg/day for adults. No safety concerns when used as a food additive. Also used in flour fortification in the UK (mandatory since 1953). Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E170
INS Number
170
Category
Colorings
Origin
Natural
FDA Status
GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)
EFSA Status
Quantum satis — considered safe, no numerical limit as a food additive
ADI
Not specified (quantum satis) mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2011
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other colorings in the same family

Titanium Dioxide (E171)Iron Oxides and Hydroxides (E172)Silicon Dioxide (E551)