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E170 Calcium Carbonate: Food Additive Explained

E170 is the EU food additive calcium carbonate, a naturally occurring mineral used as a colorant, acidity regulator, and anti-caking agent in food products.

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Things worth knowing about "E170"

E170 is the EU food additive calcium carbonate, a naturally occurring mineral used as a colorant, acidity regulator, and anti-caking agent in food products.

What is E170?

E170 is the EU designation for the food additive calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), a naturally occurring mineral widely used in the food industry. It is derived from limestone, marble, or chalk and is approved under the EU food additive number E170. Calcium carbonate is considered safe and is also well known as a dietary supplement and in natural medicine.

Functions in Food

E170 serves several technological purposes in food products:

Colorant (whitening agent): Provides a white or bright appearance to foods such as icings, chewing gums, and decorative sugar.
Acidity regulator: Buffers acids and helps control the pH level in food products.
Anti-caking agent: Prevents powdered food products from clumping together.
Carrier substance: Acts as a carrier material for other additives or flavourings.

Occurrence and Typical Applications

E170 is found in a wide range of food products and items:

Baked goods and cake decoration
Chewing gums and confectionery
Cheese varieties (as a surface anti-caking agent)
Dietary supplements and vitamin preparations (as a calcium source)
Antacids in pharmaceutical products

Safety and Health Assessment

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed E170 as safe for use in food. Calcium carbonate is not known to be allergenic or toxic. As a relevant source of calcium, extremely high intakes could theoretically lead to elevated calcium levels in the body; however, this is unlikely to occur through normal food consumption.

Individuals with hypercalcaemia (elevated blood calcium levels) or kidney stones (particularly calcium oxalate stones) should exercise caution with high-dose calcium preparations and seek medical advice if unsure.

Nutritional Significance

Calcium is an essential mineral for the human body. It plays a critical role in:

Building and maintaining strong bones and teeth
Muscle function, including that of the heart
Blood clotting
Nerve signal transmission

The World Health Organization (WHO) and national health authorities recommend a daily calcium intake of approximately 1000 mg for adults. E170, in the form of dietary supplements or fortified foods, can contribute to meeting daily calcium requirements.

Approval and Labelling

In the European Union, E170 is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. On food labels, it is listed either as E170 or as calcium carbonate. The additive may be used in numerous food categories without a specific quantity limit (quantum satis).

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of calcium carbonate (E 170) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2011.
European Union: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives.
World Health Organization (WHO): Calcium supplementation in pregnant women. WHO Guidelines, 2013.

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