E213 · Calcium benzoate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E213?
Calcium benzoate is the calcium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative in food and beverages such as sauces, dressings, canned goods, and drinks to inhibit bacteria, yeast, and mould growth. It is generally recognized as safe when used within regulated limits and is also used in some cosmetics to prevent microbial contamination.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium benzoate, Ca-benzoate, Food grade calcium benzoate, Calcium benzoate powder, Calcium benzoate solution, Additivo alimentare calcium benzoate, Additif alimentaire calcium benzoate, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff calcium benzoate, Calcium salt of benzoic acid, INS 213, E213, E 213.
What the evidence says
- Shares the benzene-formation risk of other benzoates when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) under heat, light, or metal-ion exposure; industry mitigations apply.
- Occasional intolerance or mild allergic-type reactions reported in sensitive individuals, consistent with other benzoate salts.
Research behind the verdict
- Calcium Benzoate (E213) – Safety Review — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2016). Part of group ADI 5 mg/kg bw/day; safe under ADI; less widely used.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E213 safe?
Our overall verdict for E213 (Calcium benzoate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E213 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium benzoate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E213 and why is it used?
Calcium benzoate is the calcium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative in food and beverages such as sauces, dressings, canned goods, and drinks to inhibit bacteria, yeast, and mould growth. It is generally recognized as safe when used within regulated limits and is also used in some cosmetics to prevent microbial contamination.
Does E213 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium benzoate, though some people report sensitivity (benzoate sensitivity).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.