Uses of Calcium Propionate

1. Calcium Propionate in The Food Industries Calcium Propionate is an organic salt (naturally occurring) which is formed by a reaction between Propionic Acid and Calcium Hydroxide. It is a generally used as a food addictive – Popularly known as E282 for preserving multiple food products. The list of those food products given below: •Dairy Products: powdered milk, cheese products, yogurt, whey, and many more. •Beverages: fruit drinks, soft drinks, etc. •Baked goods: pastries, breads, muffins, etc. •Alcoholic drinks: malt beverages, beers, cider, wine, etc. •Processed meats: hot dogs, lunch meats, ham, etc. Calcium Propionate is used to extend the shelf life of many goods by stopping/slowing-down the growth and reproduction of molds and many other microorganisms that destroy the food products. Mold and bacteria are a big concern for the baking industry mainly because baking provides conditions that are ideal for the growth of mold and bacteria. Calcium propionate has been approved for use by World Health Organization (WHO), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). How safe is it to consume? Calcium propionate was studied extensively by the Food & Drug Administration before it was considered safe to be used in the food industry.

2. There was a study on animals that showed that feeding rats (1-3 grams) of Calcium Propionate daily over 4 to 5 weeks had no impact on their growth. There was a one-year study on rats which proved that taking a diet comprising 4% Calcium Propionate, a higher percentage than human would consume daily had no toxic effects. Most of the studies in lab on Calcium Propionate and toxicity have proved that it is not that toxic, except a few when used exceptionally higher amounts. In one instance, researchers injected a very high amount of Calcium Propionate into the yolk sacs of chicken embryos, resulting in abnormalities in the chicken. Our body cannot store this Calcium Propionate which means it does not build up in our cells. The substance is broken down by our digestive tract and instantly absorbed, metabolized, and at last eliminated. The Downsides In general, Calcium Propionate is safe to consume with almost no side effects. In some situations, it can cause adverse effects like migraines and headaches. In one study on human, Calcium Propionate intake can lead to the increased production of insulin and glucagon (hormones that stimulates glucose release). This makes our body insulin resistance which is a condition in which our blood cannot use insulin properly, which may lead to Type-2 diabetes. There was a study on 27 kids. It was found that some experienced restlessness, irritability, poor attention, and irregular sleep after consuming bread daily containing Calcium Propionate. More studies are required in in this area before it is determined that Calcium Propionate possibly cause bad effects on our body.

3. It is not supposed to cause any harmful effects on our body so it is safe to be used in our food. The Conclusion: Calcium propionate is an organic salt that is not so harmful and is used as a food addictive. It is helpful in preserving foods (baked ones) by interfering growth of microorganisms like fungi, molds, and bacteria. Calcium propionate is safe to use with little to no side-effects for most people. WBCIL is a leading manufacturer of Calcium Propionate in India.