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E516 Calcium Sulfate – Food Additive Explained

E516 is the EU food additive calcium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral used as a firming agent, acidity regulator, and raising agent in food products.

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Things worth knowing about "E516"

E516 is the EU food additive calcium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral used as a firming agent, acidity regulator, and raising agent in food products.

What is E516 (Calcium Sulfate)?

E516 refers to calcium sulfate, an inorganic salt composed of calcium and sulfate. It occurs naturally as a mineral – for example as gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) or anhydrite (anhydrous calcium sulfate). In the food industry, it is approved under the EU food additive number E516 for use in a wide range of food products.

Technological Functions

Calcium sulfate serves several technological purposes in food production:

Firming agent: It stabilizes the cell structure of fruits and vegetables, helping them maintain their firmness and texture.
Acidity regulator: It helps control the pH level in food products, ensuring consistent acidity.
Raising agent: In baked goods, it supports the leavening process and helps dough rise.
Flour treatment agent: It improves the baking properties of wheat flour.
Release agent: It prevents food products from sticking together during processing.

Common Uses in Food

E516 is found in a wide variety of processed food products. Typical applications include:

Baked goods and bread
Tofu (as a coagulant to firm the texture)
Canned vegetables and legumes
Wheat flour products
Dietary supplements as a calcium source
Beverages and drinking water (for mineral enrichment)

Safety and Assessment

Calcium sulfate is considered a safe food additive. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E516 and classified it as safe for its intended uses. No specific ADI value (Acceptable Daily Intake) has been established, as no health risks are associated with normal consumption levels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also lists calcium sulfate as GRAS – Generally Recognized As Safe.

Nutritional Relevance

As a secondary benefit, calcium sulfate can contribute to the body's calcium supply. Calcium is an essential mineral required for building and maintaining bones and teeth, supporting muscle function, and enabling proper blood clotting. However, the amounts of calcium delivered through typical consumption of E516 as a food additive are generally modest.

Tolerability and Special Considerations

For most people, E516 is very well tolerated. Individuals with hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels in the blood) or kidney disorders should exercise caution with high intakes of calcium-containing additives and consult a healthcare professional. Allergic reactions to calcium sulfate are extremely rare and not documented in medical literature.

Labelling Requirements

Under EU Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives, E516 must be declared on the ingredient list of food products either under its functional class name (e.g., firming agent, acidity regulator) together with the E number, or under its chemical name (calcium sulfate).

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of calcium sulphate (E 516) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2016.
Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Database – Calcium Sulfate. www.fda.gov.

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