E282 · Calcium propionate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E282?
Calcium propionate is the calcium salt of propionic acid, widely used to inhibit mold and bacteria and extend the shelf life of bread, cakes, and pastries. It is also used in animal feed to prevent mold. It is considered safe for consumption by the FDA and EFSA, and provides a small amount of dietary calcium.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium propionate, E282, E 282, E-282, INS 282, Calcium salt of propionic acid, Propionic acid calcium salt, Ca(C2H5COO)2, Calcium propionate powder, Calcium propionate food grade, Preservative E282, Food additive E282.
What the evidence says
- Some observational and small studies have suggested a possible link between calcium propionate and irritability or sleep/behavior changes in a subset of children, though evidence is limited and not conclusive.
- Excessive intake may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some people.
Frequently asked questions
Is E282 safe?
Our overall verdict for E282 (Calcium propionate) 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 E282 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium propionate — 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 E282 and why is it used?
Calcium propionate is the calcium salt of propionic acid, widely used to inhibit mold and bacteria and extend the shelf life of bread, cakes, and pastries. It is also used in animal feed to prevent mold. It is considered safe for consumption by the FDA and EFSA, and provides a small amount of dietary calcium.
Does E282 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium propionate.
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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.