Calcium Propionate
This is what the ingredient is.
Calcium propionate is the calcium salt of propionic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid. Produced commercially through chemical synthesis.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
Mold inhibitor primarily used in baked goods to extend shelf life. Effective against rope-forming bacteria in bread. Common in bread, rolls, and other baked products.
Here is what food agencies say.
FDA GRAS with no specified limits. European food agencies allow it, with ADI not specified (considered very safe). It is approved in the US, Europe, and Canada., and most countries worldwide.
Here is what research has found.
Safety reviewed by an FAO/WHO expert committee (2016). Research in Food Microbiology (2019) confirms antifungal properties. Metabolized as a normal dietary fatty acid.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Generally recognized as safe with minimal adverse effects reported. Some anecdotal reports of behavioral effects in children lack scientific support. May cause mild gastrointestinal effects in very high doses.
Sources
- FDA GRAS List
- JECFA Report 2016
- Food Microbiology Journal 2019
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.