Food Additives Encyclopedia

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calcium hydroxide ​

Basic Information ​

FieldContent
Chinese namecalcium hydroxide
English namecalcium hydroxide
INS/E numberINS 526
Functional classAcidity regulator, Firming agent
Year adopted1965
Approved byAustralia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA)

What is it? ​

Calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) is an inorganic base used mainly as an acidity regulator, firming agent and processing aid. It firms fruit and vegetable tissue, adjusts pH and is used in traditional foods such as century eggs and maize nixtamalisation.

Source ​

Industrial：由石灰石煅烧成氧化钙后加水消化制得氢氧化钙

Why is it used? ​

  • Acts as a firming agent keeping produce crisp
  • Adjusts pH as an acidity regulator
  • Used in traditional processing (e.g. century eggs, alkaline water)
  • Improves nutrition and texture in maize nixtamalisation

Common Foods ​

  • Century eggs and alkaline foods
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Maize products
  • Saccharification and brewing
  • Tofu processing

Safety ​

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：Not applicable (evaluated, no limit set)

Concerns：

  • 过量使用可能影响口感并升高钙摄入

Usage Standard ​

China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》

International：

  • EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex II (E 526)
  • FDA 21 CFR 184.1206 (calcium hydroxide, GRASS)
  • Codex GSFA (INS 526)
  • FSANZ Food Standards Code (526)

In a nutshell ​

Calcium hydroxide is a common firming agent, acidity regulator and processing aid also used in traditional foods.

Consumer Advice ​

Food-grade calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) is used as an acidity regulator, firming agent and calcium fortificant. It is best known for making century eggs, pickled vegetables, corn tortillas (nixtamalisation) and as a tofu coagulant. It supplies calcium and is largely neutralised during processing. Use to food-grade standards is safe; ingesting large amounts of the pure chemical would irritate the gut, but that does not occur in food.

Dietary Restrictions ​

  • Vegan: ✅
  • Halal: ✅
  • Kosher: ✅

Allergens ​

✅ Free from common allergens

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.