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E213 Calcium Benzoate – Food Preservative

E213 is a food additive known as calcium benzoate, used as a preservative to protect foods from mould, yeast, and bacterial growth.

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Things worth knowing about "E213"

E213 is a food additive known as calcium benzoate, used as a preservative to protect foods from mould, yeast, and bacterial growth.

What is E213?

E213 refers to calcium benzoate, a synthetic preservative belonging to the benzoate family. It is the calcium salt of benzoic acid and is used in the food industry to extend shelf life by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, moulds, and certain bacteria.

Use in Food Products

Calcium benzoate (E213) is most effective in acidic environments, which is why it is predominantly used in acidic food products. Common applications include:

Soft drinks and fruit juices
Marinades, sauces, and dressings
Jams and jellies
Pickled vegetables and olives
Prepared salads and deli products

Mechanism of Action

The preservative effect of calcium benzoate is based on its conversion to benzoic acid in an acidic environment. Benzoic acid penetrates microbial cells and inhibits key enzymes involved in energy metabolism, effectively suppressing the growth and reproduction of yeasts, moulds, and bacteria.

Regulatory Status

In the European Union, E213 is approved as a food additive under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for the benzoate group as a whole. All food products containing E213 must declare it on the ingredient label.

Health Considerations and Safety

For most people, E213 is considered safe at the permitted levels. However, certain health considerations are worth noting:

Pseudo-allergic reactions: Benzoates may trigger allergy-like reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those with asthma or aspirin intolerance, including skin rashes, hives, or breathing difficulties.
Hyperactivity in children: Certain studies, including the well-known Southampton study, found a possible link between the consumption of benzoates combined with specific artificial colours and increased hyperactivity in children. EFSA has reviewed this data and advises caution regarding consumption in children.
Benzene formation: When combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C, E300) under certain conditions such as heat and light exposure, benzoate can form small amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen. This reaction is monitored by food safety authorities.

Differences from E210, E211, and E212

Calcium benzoate (E213) belongs to the benzoate family alongside benzoic acid (E210), sodium benzoate (E211), and potassium benzoate (E212). These compounds differ only in the associated metal ion (sodium, potassium, or calcium) and share a very similar safety and efficacy profile. Sodium benzoate (E211) is the most widely used member of this group.

Identifying E213 on Product Labels

Consumers can identify E213 on ingredient lists under the following designations:

E213
Calcium benzoate
Calcium-benzoate

Individuals with known sensitivity to benzoates should carefully check ingredient labels and consult their doctor or pharmacist if in doubt.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of benzoic acid (E 210), sodium benzoate (E 211), potassium benzoate (E 212) and calcium benzoate (E 213) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2016.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
McCann D. et al.: Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 2007.

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