E385 · Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Calcium disodium EDTA)
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E385?
Calcium disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in food in small amounts to bind trace metals that would otherwise promote rancidity, discoloration, or flavor loss. It is found in some canned foods, dressings, and sauces. Separately, a related medical-grade form is used to treat heavy-metal poisoning, but that is a distinct pharmaceutical use governed by different dosing and regulation than the food additive.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, Calcium disodium EDTA, Calcium EDTA, CaNa2EDTA, CaNa₂EDTA, Calcium disodium salt of EDTA, Disodium calcium EDTA, EDTA calcium disodium, E385, E 385, E-385, INS 385.
What the evidence says
- Can bind and reduce absorption of essential minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium if consumed in large amounts.
- EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake; typical food-additive use is well below levels associated with adverse effects.
Research behind the verdict
- Calcium Disodium EDTA Safety Assessment: Chelating Agent in Food Applications — US FDA Food Safety Team, Code of Federal Regulations - Food and Drugs (2024). A comprehensive safety evaluation of calcium disodium EDTA (E385) as a food additive, examining its role as a chelating agent that binds metal ions to prevent oxidation and discoloration. The study confirmed that calcium disodium EDTA is safe when used according to FDA regulations, with a minimum 99% purity requirement. The research found no significant adverse effects at approved usage levels in designated foods. The compound effectively stabilizes products by preventing metal-catalyzed oxidation, with established safety margins for human consumption.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E385 safe?
Our overall verdict for E385 (Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Calcium disodium EDTA)) 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 E385 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Calcium disodium EDTA) — 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 E385 and why is it used?
Calcium disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in food in small amounts to bind trace metals that would otherwise promote rancidity, discoloration, or flavor loss. It is found in some canned foods, dressings, and sauces. Separately, a related medical-grade form is used to treat heavy-metal poisoning, but that is a distinct pharmaceutical use governed by different dosing and regulation than the food additive.
Does E385 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Calcium disodium EDTA).
Watch E385
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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.