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Calcium Propionate: A Safe and Effective Food Preservative
2023/5/16
Calcium propionate is a calcium salt of propionic acid, a natural organic acid that is found in some foods and produced by some bacteria. It has the chemical formula C6H10CaO4 and the CAS number 4075-81-4. It appears as white crystals or a crystalline solid, with little or no odor.
Calcium propionate is used as a food additive to prevent the growth of molds and bacteria in breads, cakes, cheese, dairy products, meat products, and other foods. It can also extend the shelf life and improve the texture of these products. It is especially effective against the rope-forming bacterium Bacillus mesentericus, which can cause spoilage and off-flavors in bread.
Calcium propionate is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe and suitable ingredient for direct addition to food for human consumption. It is also listed as a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance by the FDA and the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) . The maximum amount of calcium propionate allowed in food varies depending on the type of food and the standard of identity. For example, the limit for bread is 0.3% by weight of flour.
Calcium propionate has some advantages over other food preservatives, such as sodium propionate and sorbic acid. It requires less amount to achieve the same antimicrobial effect, since it has higher solubility and lower pH than sodium propionate. It also has less impact on the flavor and color of food than sorbic acid. Moreover, it can provide some nutritional benefits, since it can supply calcium to the body.
Calcium propionate is a safe and effective food preservative that can prevent microbial spoilage and extend the shelf life of various food products. It is also a natural and versatile ingredient that can enhance the quality and functionality of food. However, its use should be regulated and optimized to ensure its quality and safety.
Calcium propionate is used as a food additive to prevent the growth of molds and bacteria in breads, cakes, cheese, dairy products, meat products, and other foods. It can also extend the shelf life and improve the texture of these products. It is especially effective against the rope-forming bacterium Bacillus mesentericus, which can cause spoilage and off-flavors in bread.
Calcium propionate is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe and suitable ingredient for direct addition to food for human consumption. It is also listed as a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substance by the FDA and the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) . The maximum amount of calcium propionate allowed in food varies depending on the type of food and the standard of identity. For example, the limit for bread is 0.3% by weight of flour.
Calcium propionate has some advantages over other food preservatives, such as sodium propionate and sorbic acid. It requires less amount to achieve the same antimicrobial effect, since it has higher solubility and lower pH than sodium propionate. It also has less impact on the flavor and color of food than sorbic acid. Moreover, it can provide some nutritional benefits, since it can supply calcium to the body.
Calcium propionate is a safe and effective food preservative that can prevent microbial spoilage and extend the shelf life of various food products. It is also a natural and versatile ingredient that can enhance the quality and functionality of food. However, its use should be regulated and optimized to ensure its quality and safety.
