FDA Status
GRAS
Calcium Chloride (E509), CAS 10043-52-4, is a processing aid additive holding a composite safety score of 5 out of 5 (Generally Safe). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as GRAS, while the European Union lists it as Approved. This ingredient appears in approximately 2,381 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Canned tomatoes, pickles, cheese.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Calcium Chloride to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Calcium Chloride, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2019/07/06. EFSA has noted an overexposure risk classification of "moderate" for typical consumption patterns. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E509 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 10043-52-4 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Processing Aid | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 5 / 5 (Generally Safe) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 2,381 | 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.
5.0 / 5
Composite Safety Generally Safe
Safety Score: 5 out of 5
Safety Rating 100.0%
EU Status
Approved
E509
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Calcium Chloride receives a safety score of 5/5 (Generally Safe) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA classifies Calcium Chloride as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS), meaning qualified experts consider it safe under intended conditions of use.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Calcium Chloride. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Calcium Chloride?
Firming agent for fruits and vegetables.
Health Concerns
- Safe. Used in cheese-making for centuries.
Common Uses
Canned tomatoes, pickles, cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calcium Chloride safe to consume?
Calcium Chloride has a safety score of 5/5 (Generally Safe). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Calcium Chloride used for in food?
Calcium Chloride is commonly used as: Canned tomatoes, pickles, cheese. It belongs to the Processing Aid category of food additives.
Is Calcium Chloride banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Calcium Chloride. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Calcium Chloride?
The FDA classifies Calcium Chloride as "GRAS", while the EU status is "Approved" (E509). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Calcium Chloride?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Calcium Chloride: Safe. Used in cheese-making for centuries.. These findings inform its safety score of 5/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Calcium Chloride calculated?
The safety score of 5/5 for Calcium Chloride is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial