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Calcium Propionate (E282) — What You Need to Know

Generally Safe(7/10)Synthetic

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 Propionate?

Calcium propionate is the calcium salt of propionic acid and the most widely used bread preservative in the world. It prevents mold and bacterial growth in baked goods while also providing a small amount of calcium fortification. It is synthetically produced by neutralizing propionic acid with calcium hydroxide.

What Is It Used For?

Used as a mold inhibitor in bread and baked goods, extending shelf life by several days. Preferred over other propionate salts because it also contributes calcium to the product.

Function: Preservative, mold inhibitor, calcium source
4 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 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): No numerical ADI established. Considered safe at current food-use levels.
⚠️ Key Concerns

The most widely used bread preservative globally. Calcium salt of propionic acid, preferred because it also provides calcium fortification. Some anecdotal reports of behavioral effects in children (irritability, restlessness, sleep disturbance) but these have not been confirmed in well-controlled studies. The 2019 propionic acid metabolic concerns also apply indirectly. EFSA and FDA both classify as safe. Widely used in commercial bakeries worldwide.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Calcium Propionate an editorial context label of Generally Safe with a score of 7/10. This is 1.3 points above the database average for preservatives (5.7/10). Dataset reference year: 2014.

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

Commonly Found In

BreadTortillasBagelsRollsMuffinsBakery products
Example brands:
Wonder BreadSara LeeMission Tortillas

Always check the label for E282 or 'Calcium Propionate'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C6H10CaO4
Molecular Weight: 186.22 g/mol
CAS Number: 4075-81-4
INS Number: 282
Also known as: E282, INS 282, Calcium propanoate

Frequently Asked Questions about Calcium Propionate

Current dataset status: FDA — GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).; EFSA/EU — No numerical ADI established. Considered safe at current food-use levels.. Reported concerns: The most widely used bread preservative globally. Calcium salt of propionic acid, preferred because it also provides calcium fortification. Some anecdotal reports of behavioral effects in children (irritability, restlessness, sleep disturbance) but these have not been confirmed in well-controlled studies. The 2019 propionic acid metabolic concerns also apply indirectly. EFSA and FDA both classify as safe. Widely used in commercial bakeries worldwide. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E282
INS Number
282
Category
Preservatives
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).
EFSA Status
No numerical ADI established. Considered safe at current food-use levels.
ADI
Not specified mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2014
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.

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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 preservatives in the same family

Propionic Acid (E280)Sorbic Acid (E200)