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E282 – Calcium Propionate: Food Preservative

E282 (calcium propionate) is an approved food additive used as a preservative in baked goods to inhibit mould growth and bacterial contamination, extending shelf life.

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Things worth knowing about "E282"

E282 (calcium propionate) is an approved food additive used as a preservative in baked goods to inhibit mould growth and bacterial contamination, extending shelf life.

What is E282?

E282 is the European designation for calcium propionate, the calcium salt of propionic acid. It belongs to the group of preservatives and is widely used in the food industry to extend the shelf life of products by inhibiting the growth of moulds and certain bacteria.

Chemical Properties

Calcium propionate is a white, crystalline powder with a slightly cheesy odour. It is readily soluble in water and heat-stable, making it particularly suitable for use in baking processes. Its chemical formula is Ca(C₂H₅COO)₂.

Applications

E282 is primarily used in the following food products:

Bread and baked goods (e.g. sliced bread, toast bread)
Pre-baked goods and baking mixes
Processed cheese and cheese products
Certain delicatessen products

In the European Union, the use of E282 is regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. The permitted maximum level is up to 3,000 mg per kg of food, depending on the food category.

Mechanism of Action

Propionic acid and its salts exert antimicrobial effects by interfering with the cellular metabolism of moulds and gram-negative bacteria. The undissociated form of propionic acid penetrates the cell membrane of microorganisms, lowers the intracellular pH, and disrupts vital enzymatic reactions, thereby inhibiting growth or killing the organisms. E282 is less effective against yeasts, which is why it can be used in yeast-leavened products without interfering with the fermentation process.

Safety and Health Assessment

Propionic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is also produced in human metabolism, for example during intestinal fermentation. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has classified E282 as safe and has not established a numerical ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) value, as propionates occur naturally in normal metabolism and are generally well tolerated.

Nevertheless, scientific discussion has raised the possibility that high propionate intake may be associated with changes in glucose metabolism and neurobiological effects. Some studies have discussed a potential link to behavioural issues in children, but the evidence in this area has not yet been conclusively assessed. For typical dietary intake levels, E282 is considered safe.

Natural Occurrence

Propionic acid occurs naturally in dairy products, particularly in certain cheeses such as Emmental, as well as a metabolic by-product in the human and animal gut. Calcium propionate, as the salt of this acid, is therefore structurally closely related to naturally occurring compounds.

Labelling Requirements

Foods containing E282 must declare this additive in the ingredient list either as E282 or as calcium propionate. No specific warning label is required.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of propionic acid (E 280), sodium propionate (E 281), calcium propionate (E 282) and potassium propionate (E 283) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2014.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
Tirosh A. et al.: The short-chain fatty acid propionate increases glucagon and FABP4 production, impairing insulin action in mice and humans. Science Translational Medicine, 2019.

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