E327 Calcium Lactate – Food Additive Explained
E327 is the EU food additive calcium lactate, a salt derived from lactic acid. It is used as an acidity regulator, firming agent, and calcium source in foods.
Things worth knowing about "E327"
E327 is the EU food additive calcium lactate, a salt derived from lactic acid. It is used as an acidity regulator, firming agent, and calcium source in foods.
What is E327 (Calcium Lactate)?
E327, commonly known as calcium lactate, is a food additive officially approved in the European Union. It is the calcium salt of lactic acid and is used in the food industry as an acidity regulator, firming agent, and antioxidant. Calcium lactate occurs naturally in fermented foods such as cheese and yogurt, and is produced industrially through the fermentation of sugars followed by neutralization with a calcium base.
Origin and Production
Calcium lactate is typically manufactured by fermenting carbohydrates – such as glucose or whey – using lactic acid bacteria. The resulting lactic acid is then neutralized with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide to form the calcium salt. The final product is a white, odorless powder that dissolves readily in water.
Uses in Food
E327 is found in a wide variety of food products. Common applications include:
- Baked goods: Improving dough texture and extending shelf life
- Canned fruits and vegetables: Maintaining firmness by stabilizing pectins in cell walls
- Dairy products: Calcium fortification and pH regulation
- Beverages: Acidity regulation and calcium enrichment
- Chewing gum and confectionery: Texture improvement and flavor balance
- Sports nutrition and dietary foods: As a bioavailable calcium source
Function and Mechanism of Action
E327 serves several technological functions in food:
- Acidity regulation: Calcium lactate buffers the pH of food products, providing a stable and mild level of acidity.
- Firming: Calcium ions interact with pectins in plant tissue, reinforcing the structure of fruits and vegetables.
- Antioxidant effect: It can slow down oxidative processes, thereby extending product shelf life.
- Calcium source: Calcium lactate is considered a well-bioavailable form of calcium and is therefore used for food fortification.
Safety and Health Assessment
E327 is considered a safe food additive. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated calcium lactate and classified it as safe, as the amounts consumed through food are well below toxicologically relevant doses. No Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value has been established, reflecting the absence of safety concerns. In the body, calcium lactate is broken down into calcium and lactate – both of which are natural metabolic compounds.
Tolerability
Calcium lactate is well tolerated by most people. Since it is a salt of lactic acid and contains neither milk protein nor lactose, it is generally suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or cow milk protein allergy. However, those affected should verify the exact source of production if in doubt.
Excessive Intake
Consuming very large amounts of calcium lactate could theoretically lead to an excessive calcium intake, potentially causing symptoms such as nausea, constipation, or in rare cases hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels). This is not expected under normal dietary conditions.
Labeling and Regulation
In the EU, E327 is authorized under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. On product labels, the substance must be declared either as E327 or as calcium lactate. In the United States, calcium lactate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) and is approved by the FDA.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of lactic acid (E 270), ammonium lactate, potassium lactate (E 326), calcium lactate (E 327). EFSA Journal, 2013.
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): GRAS Notice Inventory – Calcium Lactate. FDA.gov.
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