calcium sulfate
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 硫酸钙(石膏) |
| English name | calcium sulfate |
| INS/E number | INS 516 |
| Functional class | Acidity regulator, Colour, Firming agent, Flour treatment agent, Sequestrant, Stabilizer |
| Year adopted | 1999 |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
calcium sulfate (INS 516) is a Acidity regulator, Colour, Firming agent, Flour treatment agent, Sequestrant, Stabilizer food additive. Used to regulate or maintain acidity (pH), affecting flavour, colour and stability.Used to impart or restore colour in foods, improving appearance and acceptability.Used to maintain or enhance the firmness and crispness of fruits, vegetables and canned foods.Used to improve baking quality of flour, e.g. bleaching and strengthening gluten.Binds metal ions to prevent oxidation, discolouration or deterioration catalysed by metals.Used to keep the physical state of foods stable, preventing separation, sedimentation or syneresis.
Source
Natural：Mostly organic acids naturally present in foods (e.g. citric, malic, lactic acid).Some are natural pigments from plant, mineral or animal sources (e.g. curcumin, beet red, caramel).Commonly calcium salts (e.g. calcium chloride, calcium lactate).E.g. ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as an improver.E.g. citric acid and its salts occur naturally in citrus fruits.Mostly natural gums, proteins or polysaccharides (e.g. gelatin, pectin, locust bean gum).
Industrial：Their salts (e.g. sodium citrate, phosphates) are made by neutralisation.Many synthetic colours are produced by organic synthesis and supplied as lakes for stability.Also includes some aluminium salts (e.g. potassium aluminium sulphate).Includes synthetic improvers such as benzoyl peroxide, azodicarbonamide.Synthesised from the corresponding acids or salts (e.g. EDTA salts, phosphates).Some are physically or chemically modified (e.g. carboxymethyl cellulose, modified starches).
Why is it used?
- Adjust pH
- Improve flavour
- Enhance preservation and colour stability
- Improve or standardize food colour
- Compensate for colour loss during processing
- Enhance consumer acceptability
- Enhance firmness
- Keep produce crisp
- Improve canned-food quality
- Improve baking performance
- Bleach flour
- Strengthen gluten network
- Chelate metal ions
- Prevent oxidative discolouration
- Stabilise quality
- Maintain homogeneity
- Prevent syneresis and sedimentation
- Improve texture and water retention
Common Foods
- Beverages
- Confectionery
- Dairy
- Canned foods
- Bakery
- Sauces
- Processed meat
- Canned fruits/vegetables
- Soy products
- Jam
- Pickled foods
- Wheat flour
- Bakery ingredients
- Edible oils
- Cured foods
- Yoghurt
- Jelly
- Ice cream
Safety
Mostly organic acids naturally present in foods; safe within permitted use.Evaluated by JECFA and national authorities; generally safe within maximum permitted levels, though some synthetic colours are restricted or require labelling in certain regions.Safe within permitted use; aluminium salts have scope restrictions.All evaluated with restricted scope and residues; some are banned in certain regions.Safe within permitted use; excessive phosphate intake may affect calcium–phosphorus balance.Most act as dietary fibre or inert colloids and are safe within permitted use.
Metabolism：Metabolic pathways vary by substance; generally the material is metabolised or excreted normally.
Concerns：
- Use within permitted levels
- Sensitive individuals should check the ingredient list
Usage Standard
China：依据 GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》确定使用范围与最大使用量；具体限值随食品类别而异。
International：
- China GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for Uses of Food Additives：https://www.cfsa.net.cn/
- Codex GSFA General Standard for Food Additives：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/codex-alimentarius/en/
- FAO/WHO JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives)：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/jecfa/en/
- US FDA Substances Added to Food：https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/substances-added-food-previously-food-additive-status-list
- EU EFSA Food Additives：https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-additives
In a nutshell
calcium sulfate is a Acidity regulator, Colour, Firming agent, Flour treatment agent, Sequestrant, Stabilizer, safe for use in food production within permitted limits.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.