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Calcium propionate (E282) is the calcium salt of propionic acid, a naturally occurring short-chain fatty acid, widely used as an antimicrobial preservative in food, feed, cosmetic, and agricultural applications.
Calcium propionate (E282) inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria by disrupting microbial enzyme activity and competing with essential amino acids required for microbial growth, thereby extending the shelf life of food products.
Calcium propionate (E282) is particularly valued in bakery applications because it effectively controls mold and rope-forming bacteria without interfering with yeast fermentation, making it the industry-standard mold inhibitor in commercial baking.
CAS Number: 4075-81-4
EC Number: 223-795-8
Molecular Formula: C6H10CaO4 (also written Ca(C2H5COO)2)
Molecular Weight: 186.22 g/mol
E Number: E282
INS Number: INS 282
Synonyms: Calcium Propionate, Calcium Propanoate, Calcium Dipropionate, Propanoic Acid Calcium Salt, Propionic Acid Calcium Salt, E282, INS 282, Bioban-C, Mycoban, MFCD00036137, DTXSID1027556, UNII 8AI80040KW
Calcium propionate (E282) is produced by neutralizing propionic acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate under controlled temperature and pH conditions, yielding a stable, food-grade white crystalline powder or granules.
Calcium propionate (E282) appears as white crystals, granules, or powder with not more than a faint odor of propionic acid, is freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in methanol and ethanol, and insoluble in acetone and benzene.
Calcium propionate (E282) has been recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the US FDA, approved under Codex Alimentarius standards (E282), authorized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) under Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, and endorsed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
Calcium propionate (E282) acts as an acid-type preservative; under mildly acidic conditions it releases free propionic acid, which penetrates fungal and bacterial cell membranes and disrupts metabolic enzymes, with optimal antimicrobial activity below pH 5.5.
Calcium propionate (E282) is available in powder, granule, and crystal forms, including low-dust and flour-compatible grades for automated bakery production lines.
Calcium propionate (E282) has a shelf life of 2 years when stored properly in well-closed original packaging at room temperature in a dry environment.
Uses of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Calcium propionate (E282) is used as a mold inhibitor and preservative in bread, rolls, buns, tortillas, pizza crusts, pastries, muffins, and other bakery products, typically at 0.1 to 0.4% of flour weight.
Calcium propionate (E282) is used in dairy products including processed cheese, powdered milk, whey, yogurt, and cream-based products to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
Calcium propionate (E282) is used in processed meats such as hot dogs, ham, deli meats, and luncheon meats as an antimicrobial agent to reduce spoilage and extend shelf life.
Calcium propionate (E282) is used in non-alcoholic beverages, fruit drinks, beer, wine, cider, malt beverages, confections and frostings, gelatins, puddings, fillings, jams, and jellies as a preservative.
Calcium propionate (E282) is used in animal feed to prevent mold growth, extend feed storage life, inhibit aflatoxin production, and maintain feed nutritional quality for livestock, poultry, fish, and pets.
Calcium propionate (E282) is used in dairy farming as a drench or feed supplement to prevent and treat milk fever (hypocalcemia) in dairy cows by providing supplemental calcium and a gluconeogenic energy source.
Calcium propionate (E282) is used in agriculture as a fungicide on fruit and to prevent mold growth in stored grain and silage.
Calcium propionate (E282) is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a preservative in toothpaste, creams, and other formulations, listed as a preservative in the European Commission cosmetics database.
Calcium propionate (E282) is used in pharmaceutical preparations including antifungal solutions, powders, and creams, and has demonstrated effectiveness in treating certain fungal skin diseases.
Calcium propionate (E282) is used in industrial applications including butyl rubber to improve processability and scorch resistance, and is of research interest in the production of belite cement clinkers and as a dual NOx/SOx reducing agent in coal furnaces.
Benefits or Advantages of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Calcium propionate (E282) effectively controls mold and rope-forming bacteria such as Bacillus mesentericus while having no inhibitory effect on yeast, making it compatible with yeast-leavened bakery products without affecting fermentation, volume, or texture.
Calcium propionate (E282) provides a dual function as both a preservative and a nutritional calcium supplement, contributing dietary calcium without affecting flavor, aroma, color, or crumb structure of food products.
Calcium propionate (E282) is odorless to the consumer at recommended use levels, and any faint propionic acid odor present in hot baked goods dissipates rapidly during cooling.
Calcium propionate (E282) is water-soluble and easy to blend with flour or other dry ingredients, offering consistent distribution throughout the food matrix and reliable protection against microbial spoilage.
Calcium propionate (E282) is effective in humid climates and tropical supply chains where bread can spoil rapidly, and costs less per effective dose than potassium sorbate (E202), supporting large-scale production economics.
Calcium propionate (E282) is available in dust-free granule and flour-compatible powder grades, offering reduced cleaning time, faster dissolution in dough, and improved flow through automated dosing equipment.
Features of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Calcium propionate (E282) is a white crystalline powder or granular solid, stable to heat and light, with not more than a faint odor of propionic acid and no discernible taste at normal use levels.
Calcium propionate (E282) has a melting point of 385°C (with thermal decomposition beginning at approximately 310°C), a pH of 6.0 to 9.0 in 10% aqueous solution, and water solubility of 49 g/100 mL at 0°C and 55.8 g/100 mL at 100°C.
Calcium propionate (E282) is hygroscopic and should be stored in well-closed packaging to prevent deliquescence in humid environments.
Calcium propionate (E282) provides optimal antimicrobial protection at pH below 5.5, which corresponds to the typical pH range of commercial bread (5.3 to 5.8), processed cheese, and similar acidic food products.
Chemical Properties of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Calcium propionate (E282) is an ionic compound comprising calcium cations (Ca²⁺) and two propanoate anions (C₂H₅COO⁻), with the linear formula (CH₃CH₂COO)₂Ca and a monoclinic crystal structure.
Calcium propionate (E282) releases propionic acid in acidic food matrices; propionic acid enters microbial cells and inhibits CoA-dependent enzymes including pyruvate dehydrogenase, succinyl-CoA synthetase, and ATP citrate lyase, while also lowering intracellular pH and competing with essential amino acids.
Calcium propionate (E282) is stable under normal storage conditions and is chemically stable to heat and light; thermal decomposition in an inert atmosphere follows a radical mechanism yielding 3-pentanone, while decomposition in the presence of oxygen at approximately 310°C produces carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde, methane, and water.
Calcium propionate (E282) is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents; it decomposes at approximately 330 to 340°C to calcium carbonate under heating conditions.
Production of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Calcium propionate (E282) is produced industrially by the reaction of propionic acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate at 70 to 100°C, followed by decolorization, concentration, filtration, washing, and drying to obtain the finished product.
Calcium propionate (E282) can also be produced through a bio-based fermentation route using Propionibacterium cultures that generate naturally derived propionate salts, which retain identical functionality to conventionally synthesized calcium propionate.
Calcium propionate (E282) production meets the specifications of the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC), is manufactured in food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade qualities complying with BP, EP, USP, and JECFA standards, and is available in granule and powder formats in 25 kg bags.
Calcium propionate (E282) has a typical assay (dry basis) of ≥99% and contains not less than 99% C₆H₁₀CaO₄ on a dried basis.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Handling of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Calcium propionate (E282) should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Calcium propionate (E282) handling requires avoiding inhalation of dust, contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, and preventing airborne dust accumulation during transfer, packaging, and weighing operations.
SDS of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Stability and Reactivity of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Chemical stability:
Calcium propionate (E282) is stable under recommended storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity:
No dangerous reaction is expected under normal conditions of use.
Calcium propionate (E282) may react with strong oxidizing agents.
Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat above 300°C.
Open flames.
Strong oxidizing agents.
Moisture and humidity (hygroscopic).
Direct sunlight.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Strong acids at elevated temperatures.
Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Acetaldehyde.
Methane.
Irritating organic fumes and acrid smoke.
Handling and Storage of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practices.
Avoid breathing dust and prevent dust accumulation during transfer, weighing, and packaging operations.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Storage:
Store in well-closed original packaging in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at room temperature.
Keep Calcium propionate (E282) away from moisture, humidity, direct sunlight, and heat sources.
Store away from strong oxidizing agents and incompatible materials.
Shelf life is 2 years when stored under recommended conditions.
Available packaging: 25 kg bags (powder, granule, and crystal grades); bulk arrangements available.
First Aid Measures of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Inhalation:
Remove affected person to fresh air.
If dust causes coughing, throat irritation, or respiratory discomfort, seek medical attention.
Skin contact:
Wash affected area with soap and plenty of water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
Calcium propionate (E282) may act as a mild skin irritant; seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Eye contact:
Rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Continue rinsing and seek medical attention immediately if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Calcium propionate (E282) is a food-grade material and is generally recognized as safe; normal ingestion amounts are not expected to cause harm.
If large amounts have been swallowed or discomfort persists, seek medical advice.
Firefighting Measures of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide.
Specific hazards:
Calcium propionate (E282) is not highly flammable.
Fine dust of Calcium propionate (E282) may form combustible dust-air mixtures under certain conditions.
Thermal decomposition or combustion may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acetaldehyde, and irritating organic fumes and acrid smoke.
Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
Firefighting instructions:
Avoid generating airborne dust during firefighting operations.
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains or waterways.
Accidental Release Measures of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Personal precautions:
Avoid breathing dust.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment during cleanup.
Ensure adequate ventilation in the affected area.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent large quantities of Calcium propionate (E282) from entering drains, sewers, or natural waterways.
Methods for cleaning up:
Collect spilled material carefully by sweeping or using a HEPA-filtered industrial vacuum to minimize dust generation.
Transfer into suitable labeled containers for reuse or disposal according to local regulations.
Wash contaminated surfaces with water after bulk material has been removed.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Engineering controls:
Provide adequate general or local exhaust ventilation where dust may be generated during weighing, mixing, transfer, or processing.
Dust collection systems are recommended for large-scale processing operations.
Respiratory protection:
Not normally required under standard handling conditions.
Use an approved particulate respirator (N95, FFP2, or equivalent) if airborne dust concentrations are excessive.
Hand protection:
Wear protective gloves during prolonged or repeated handling.
Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses or dust goggles where airborne dust may be generated.
Skin and body protection:
Standard protective workwear is generally sufficient for normal handling conditions.
Hygiene measures:
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling Calcium propionate (E282).
Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating or drinking.
Maintain good housekeeping practices to minimize dust accumulation.
Identifiers of Calcium Propionate (E282):
E Number: E282
INS Number: INS 282
CAS No.: 4075-81-4
EC No.: 223-795-8
EINECS: 223-795-8
MDL Number: MFCD00036137
PubChem CID: 19999
ECHA InfoCard: 100.021.633
UNII: 8AI80040KW
ChEMBL ID: CHEMBL3186661
KEGG: D09875
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID1027556
InChIKey: BCZXFFBUYPCTSJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L
SMILES: CCC(=O)[O-].CCC(=O)[O-].[Ca+2]
Chemical class: Calcium salt of propionic acid
Function: Antimicrobial agent, preservative, mold inhibitor, antifungal agent, calcium supplement
Properties of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Physical state: Solid
Appearance: White crystalline powder, granules, or monoclinic crystals
Odor: Odorless or possessing not more than a faint odor of propionic acid
Crystal structure: Monoclinic
Melting point: 385°C (with decomposition beginning at approximately 310°C)
Solubility in water: 49 g/100 mL (0°C); 55.8 g/100 mL (100°C)
Solubility in methanol and ethanol: Slightly soluble
Solubility in acetone and benzene: Insoluble
pH (10% aqueous solution): 6.0 to 9.0
Hygroscopic: Yes
Effective antimicrobial pH range: Below 5.5 (optimal at pH 5.0)
Flash point: >250°C
Specifications of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Chemical name: Calcium propionate (Calcium propanoate)
Linear formula: (CH₃CH₂COO)₂Ca
Molecular formula: C₆H₁₀CaO₄
Molecular weight: 186.22 g/mol
Assay (dry basis): ≥98.0–99.0% (food-grade); ≥97.0% (technical)
Water-insoluble matter: ≤0.2–0.3%
Loss on drying: ≤5.0–9.5%
pH (10% aqueous solution): 7.5–9.0 (FCC) / 6.0–9.0 (EU)
Arsenic (As): ≤3 mg/kg
Lead (Pb): ≤2–10 mg/kg
Fluoride (F): ≤30 mg/kg
Iron (Fe): ≤50 mg/kg
Heavy metals (as Pb): ≤10 mg/kg
Typical usage level in bakery: 0.1–0.4% of flour weight
FDA maximum level: 0.32% in white bread and rolls; 0.38% in whole wheat products; 0.3% in cheese products
EU maximum permitted level: 1,000–3,000 mg/kg depending on food category
Storage conditions: Store in well-closed packaging at room temperature in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; shelf life 2 years
Available grades: Food-grade, feed-grade, pharmaceutical-grade (BP/EP/USP); powder, granule, and crystal forms
Names of Calcium Propionate (E282):
Calcium propionate
Calcium propanoate
Calcium dipropionate
Propanoic acid calcium salt
Propionic acid calcium salt
E282
INS 282
Bioban-C
Mycoban
Ca(C₂H₅COO)₂
CAS 4075-81-4
