Preservative · EU 213
Calcium Benzoate
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Calcium Benzoate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 2 out of 5 (Caution), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
Calcium Benzoate is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 2/5
- Caution
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
Calcium Benzoate: composite 2/5 (Caution) with FDA Approved and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 213 | EU additive register |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Preservative | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 2 / 5 (Caution) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | 5 | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Calcium Benzoate?
Calcium Benzoate is a food additive (213) classified as preservative.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of benzoic acid -E 210-, sodium benzoate -E 211-, potassium benzoate -E 212- and calcium benzoate -E 213- as f. EFSA overexposure risk: high. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Calcium Benzoate
Product-count (0) and safety-score (2/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 2/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calcium Benzoate safe to consume?
Calcium Benzoate scores 2/5 (Caution). FDA status is Approved. Peer-reviewed flags sit behind the caution band. Check with a clinician for personal use.
What is Calcium Benzoate used for in food?
Calcium Benzoate is commonly used as: Processed foods, baked goods, beverages. It belongs to the Preservative category of food additives.
What health concerns are associated with Calcium Benzoate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Calcium Benzoate: EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of benzoic acid -E 210-, sodium benzoate -E 211-, potassium benzoate -E 212- and calcium benzoate -E 213- as f. EFSA overexposure risk: high. Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest. These findings inform its safety score of 2/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.