Calcium propionate

Calcium propionate (CAS 4075-81-4), also known by the E-number E282, is the calcium salt of propionic acid used commercially as a mold and bacterial inhibitor in food, feed, and pharmaceutical applications.

Where is Calcium propionate used?

• Baked goods: extends shelf life by inhibiting mold and rope-forming bacteria without affecting yeast activity; in yeast-leavened bakery products such as bread, rolls and pizza dough, used at 0.1%–0.3% on flour weight.
• Animal feed: prevents mycotoxin-producing mold growth in silage, grain mixes, and complete feeds for livestock; formulated at levels up to 1% in livestock feed to prevent mold growth and support livestock health.
• Pharmaceutical solid dosage forms: buffering agent and antimicrobial excipient
• Personal care: low-level preservation in creams and lotions
• It provides mild pH buffering without the regulatory burden of stronger biocides.
• Processed cheese, powdered milk, and whey and cream-based products.
• In agriculture, often used to prevent milk fever in dairy cattle.

Good to know: Bioban-C is a recognized trade name for industrial-grade material targeting microbial control in non-food contexts.

Formulation notes

• An important alternative in low-sodium product formulations because it does not contain sodium.

Typical specification

• Food grade has a lead limit of no more than 2 mg/kg.
• Food grade has an assay (dry basis) of at least 99.0%.
• A 1% solution has a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.

Regulatory status

• EU Regulation No 966/2014 sets a maximum fluoride limit of 20 mg/kg.
• May be used in foods permitted under the Turkish Food Codex Food Additives Regulation and vertical communiqués, respecting the relevant restrictions.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Commonly has a shelf life of 24 months under proper storage.
• Should be kept away from humid environments.

Frequently asked questions about Calcium propionate

What microbiological limit applies to calcium propionate?

Total plate count in calcium propionate is at most 1,000 CFU/g.

What regulatory conditions apply to the use of calcium propionate in Türkiye?

Use must follow the vertical communiqués for the finished product, considering permitted foods, conditions of use, maximum amounts and restrictions.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.