Calcium propanoate

Definition

Calcium propanoate is a preservative formed from calcium and propionic acid that is used to inhibit growth of molds, fungi, and other microbes. It is used in a variety of foods including bakery products, processed meat, fresh cut fruit, and dairy, as it does not require acidity to work, like benzoates. It may be produced synthetically or extracted from fermented dairy products such as whey which naturally contains calcium propanoate due to the presence of propionic acid bacteria.

May be found in

Bread, baked goods, whey, cheese, fermented milk products, fresh cut fruit, processed meat, puddings, fillings

References

CODEX Alimentarius
EUFIC
Postharvest Biology and Technology
IngredientsWizard

Alternative Spellings and Names

E282, Calcium propionate, Calcium dipropionate