E352 · Calcium malate, calcium hydrogen malate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E352?
Calcium malate and calcium hydrogen malate are calcium salts of malic acid used in food as acidity regulators and firming agents, and sometimes as a source of added calcium in fortified foods and supplements. They are used in products like juices and confectionery to balance tartness and stabilize texture. They are considered safe at typical food-additive intake levels.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium malate, Calcium hydrogen malate, Calcium bis(hydrogen malate), Calcium salts of malic acid, Malic acid calcium salt, Calcium malate (E352), Calcium hydrogen malate (E352), E352, E 352, E-352, E352(i), E 352(i).
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels; no significant documented risks beyond general caution around excess calcium supplementation from combined dietary sources.
Research behind the verdict
- EFSA Re-evaluation of Malic Acid and Malates: Calcium Malate Safety Assessment — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, European Food Safety Authority (2024). Part of the comprehensive European Food Safety Authority re-evaluation of malic acid and its salts, including calcium malate (E352). The assessment reviewed all available toxicological data and exposure estimates for calcium malate as a food additive. The study concluded that calcium malate has an excellent safety profile when used according to approved regulations. As the calcium salt of malic acid, it provides both malic acid and bioavailable calcium. No adverse effects were identified in safety studies, and the compound's natural occurrence in fruits supports its safety for food use as an acidity regulator.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E352 safe?
Our overall verdict for E352 (Calcium malate, calcium hydrogen malate) 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 E352 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium malate, calcium hydrogen malate — 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 E352 and why is it used?
Calcium malate and calcium hydrogen malate are calcium salts of malic acid used in food as acidity regulators and firming agents, and sometimes as a source of added calcium in fortified foods and supplements. They are used in products like juices and confectionery to balance tartness and stabilize texture. They are considered safe at typical food-additive intake levels.
Does E352 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium malate, calcium hydrogen malate.
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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.