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INTRODUCTION
E282 Calcium propionate, identified by the food additive code E282, is the calcium salt of propionic acid with the chemical formula C₆H₁₀CaO₄.
E282 Calcium propionate generally appears as a white crystalline powder or granules and has a faint, characteristic propionic acid odor.
E282 Calcium propionate is primarily used in the food industry as an antimicrobial preservative and mold inhibitor.
E282 Calcium propionate helps extend product shelf life by limiting mold growth and the development of certain bacteria associated with rope spoilage in bread.
Under normal conditions of use, E282 Calcium propionate generally inhibits baker's yeast activity less strongly than E282 Calcium propionate inhibits mold growth.
Its water solubility, usefulness in food processing, and cost-effectiveness make it suitable for bakery products, grain processing, animal feed, and various industrial applications.
SYNONYMS AND CHEMICAL NAMES
Calcium Propionate
Calcium Propanoate
Calcium Salt of Propionic Acid
Calcium Dipropionate
Food Additive E282
INS 282
CAS No.: 4075-81-4
EC No.: 223-795-8
C₆H₁₀CaO₄
KEY PROPERTIES AND IDENTIFIERS
E Number: E282
CAS Registry Number: 4075-81-4
Chemical Name: Calcium Propionate
Common Synonyms: Calcium propanoate, calcium salt of propionic acid, calcium dipropionate
EC / EINECS Number: 223-795-8
PubChem CID: 19999
RTECS Number: UE8450000
UNII Code: 8352H8355P
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀CaO₄ or Ca(C₂H₅COO)₂
Molecular Weight: 186.22 g/mol
Physical Appearance: White crystalline powder or crystalline solid
Odor: Faint, characteristic odor of propionic acid
Taste: May have a mildly salty or bitter taste at high concentrations
Density: Approximately 1.41 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Melting Point: Decomposes at high temperatures without a clearly defined melting point; reported values above 300 °C may vary by source
Boiling Point: Not applicable; may decompose before boiling
Flash Point: Not generally classified as flammable under normal conditions
Water Solubility: Soluble in water; solubility depends on temperature and measurement conditions
Solubility in Organic Solvents: May show limited solubility in ethanol; solubility is low in solvents such as diethyl ether and benzene
Optimum Antimicrobial pH Range: Activity may increase under more acidic conditions and depends on product pH and the food matrix
Mechanism of Action: In aqueous environments, E282 Calcium propionate dissociates into calcium and propionate ions. Under acidic conditions, undissociated propionic acid can cross microbial cell membranes and affect intracellular pH balance and metabolic processes.
PRODUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL SYNTHESIS
Synthesis Process: A common commercial production method involves neutralizing propionic acid with calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate.
Alternative manufacturing methods may involve reacting calcium compounds with propionic acid obtained through suitable chemical or biological processes.
Purification and Quality Control: The production solution may undergo filtration, crystallization, drying, and, where necessary, milling to achieve the required product characteristics.
Purity Standards and Impurities: Purity and quality requirements for food-grade calcium propionate depend on the applicable regulations and product specification.
The European Union specification requires an assay of at least 99% on a dried basis.
Parameters that may be controlled include lead, arsenic, mercury, fluoride, iron, water-insoluble matter, and loss on drying.
DETAILED APPLICATIONS AND USES
1. BAKERY AND GRAIN PRODUCTS
Commercial Bread Preservation: Calcium propionate is used to limit mold growth in commercial bread, sliced bread, sandwich bread, and various yeast-leavened bakery products.
Prevention of Rope Spoilage: E282 Calcium propionate may help control rope spoilage in bread, a sticky, stringy crumb defect associated with Bacillus species.
Flatbreads and Tortillas: In suitable formulations, E282 Calcium propionate can delay mold growth during storage of tortillas, pita bread, and other flatbreads.
Pastries and Baked Goods: E282 Calcium propionate may be used to extend the shelf life of cakes, muffins, pie crusts, and certain baked snacks.
2. ANIMAL FEED AND AGRICULTURE
Animal Feed Preservation: E282 Calcium propionate may be used in suitable feed formulations to limit mold growth and support storage stability.
Dairy Cattle Nutrition: In certain feed and veterinary applications, E282 Calcium propionate may serve as a source of calcium and propionate.
Use for the prevention of ketosis or hypocalcemia depends on the product formulation and veterinary guidance.
Silage and Grain Preservation: E282 Calcium propionate may help control microbial spoilage in certain feed ingredients and agricultural products.
Appropriate conditions of use depend on the product and application method.
3. DAIRY, FOOD, AND BEVERAGE APPLICATIONS
Cheese and Dairy Products: E282 Calcium propionate may be used to control mold growth in permitted product categories and at levels compliant with applicable regulations.
Processed Fruits and Vegetables: In certain applications, E282 Calcium propionate may be considered in formulations intended to control microbial growth or browning. Suitability depends on the intended technological function and applicable regulations.
4. INDUSTRIAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL USES
Cosmetics and Personal Care: Calcium propionate may be considered as a preservative component in suitable formulations.
Its use depends on the product safety assessment and applicable cosmetic regulations.
Pharmaceutical Formulations: It may be used in certain specialized formulations or veterinary products.
Its intended function and suitability depend on the product authorization and formulation characteristics.
SAFETY, TOXICOLOGY, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Regulatory Status: Calcium propionate is identified as E282 in the European Union. In the United States,E282 Calcium propionate has GRAS status under 21 CFR §184.1221 when used in the specified food categories in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
JECFA Assessment: The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives has evaluated propionic acid and its salts.
JECFA records describe the group ADI as “not limited”; this does not mean that all use levels are unrestricted.
Metabolic Pathway: After ingestion, E282 Calcium propionate dissociates into calcium and propionate ions in the gastrointestinal tract.
Propionate is absorbed and can be processed through normal metabolic pathways.
Toxicological Profile: Safety assessments are based on specified conditions of use and purity requirements.
Product safety should be considered alongside the use level, food category, and exposure.
Handling, Transport, and Storage: Calcium propionate should be protected from moisture and stored in tightly closed packaging in a cool, dry place.
To prevent caking, keep containers sealed and follow the instructions in the current Safety Data Sheet.
