Food · preservative

Is Calcium Propionate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: Calcium Propionate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (preservative).

📷 Scan your product for Calcium Propionate Find safer swaps →

Also called E282. (E282) CAS 4075-81-4.

Other names: E282, calcium dipropionate, INS 282

Is Calcium Propionate banned in the EU?

EU status	Allowed
US status	Allowed
Risk level	low
Where it shows up	Wonder Bread, Pepperidge Farm Bread, Mission Tortillas, Velveeta, Arnold Bread
CAS number	4075-81-4

What is Calcium Propionate?

Calcium propionate is the calcium salt of propionic acid, a short-chain fatty acid naturally produced during fermentation. It is one of the most widely used mold inhibitors in commercial bread and baked goods. It works by penetrating fungal cells and lowering internal pH to inhibit growth.

Why is Calcium Propionate used in food?

Prevents mold growth in bread, cakes, and processed cheese products, extending shelf life for up to two weeks.

Is Calcium Propionate dangerous? Documented risks

Generally recognized as safe. However, a 2012 study in the Journal of Pediatric Child Health (Dengate & Ruben) and a 2019 study published in Science Translational Medicine found that calcium propionate induced insulin resistance in a mouse model and raised metabolic concerns. The 2019 animal study, conducted by Bhatt et al., found that propionate triggered glucagon and norepinephrine secretion. Some open-label human studies and parental reports have linked calcium propionate to irritability, sleep disturbance, and behavioral changes in sensitive children, though these lack robust clinical trial evidence. Most regulatory agencies consider it safe at current use levels.

Common US products containing Calcium Propionate

How to avoid Calcium Propionate: safer alternatives

Vinegar (acetic acid), raisin juice concentrate, and sourdough fermentation provide natural mold inhibition in bread.

Loading safer alternatives…

Frequently asked questions about Calcium Propionate

Is calcium propionate safe for children?

Considered safe by regulators, but some parental reports and small studies suggest behavioral sensitivity in some children. More robust clinical trials are needed.

Is calcium propionate the same as mold inhibitor?

Yes — it is the most common mold-inhibiting additive in commercial bread.

Is calcium propionate banned in the EU?

No. It is authorized as E282 with established ADI.

Does sourdough bread contain calcium propionate?

No. Traditional sourdough produces its own organic acids through fermentation, eliminating the need for added preservatives.

Is Calcium Propionate in your pantry?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Calcium Propionate or other ingredients banned overseas.

Scan a product free →