E263 · Calcium acetate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E263?
Calcium acetate (E263) is a salt of acetic acid used in food as an acidity regulator, preservative, and firming agent, and in medicine it is used to help control blood phosphate levels in people with kidney disease. As a food additive it is used in small quantities and is considered safe at typical intake levels. It also supplies a small amount of dietary calcium.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium acetate, E263, E 263, E-263, Calcium ethanoate, Acetic acid calcium salt, Calcium diacetate, Food additive E263, Calcium acetate (preservative), Calcium salt of acetic acid, Ca(C2H3O2)2, Calcium acetate monohydrate.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E263 safe?
Our overall verdict for E263 (Calcium acetate) 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 E263 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium acetate — 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 E263 and why is it used?
Calcium acetate (E263) is a salt of acetic acid used in food as an acidity regulator, preservative, and firming agent, and in medicine it is used to help control blood phosphate levels in people with kidney disease. As a food additive it is used in small quantities and is considered safe at typical intake levels. It also supplies a small amount of dietary calcium.
Does E263 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium acetate.
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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.