Is Calcium Propionate Banned in Europe? The E282 Food Additive Explained

October 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Contrary to some public misconceptions, the food additive calcium propionate, also known as E282, is not banned for use in the European Union when added to food. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has re-evaluated its safety, confirming its continued authorization as a preservative.

Quick Summary

Calcium propionate (E282) is authorized as a food preservative in the EU, with the EFSA confirming its safety for approved uses. It is not, however, approved as a basic substance for plant protection, a distinct regulatory matter. The additive is widely used in bakery and dairy products to prevent microbial spoilage.

Key Points

Not Banned as a Food Additive: Calcium propionate (E282) is fully authorized for use as a preservative in food products within the European Union.
Permitted in Key Foods: The additive is commonly used and permitted in baked goods like bread and rolls, as well as certain dairy products and processed meats in the EU.
Separated Regulatory Decisions: Public confusion often arises from a separate 2022 EU decision that did not approve calcium propionate for plant protection use, which is a different regulatory category.
EFSA Confirmed Safety: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated propionates, including E282, and concluded there are no safety concerns at the approved maximum use levels.
Individual Sensitivity Exists: Although generally considered safe, some individuals may experience adverse effects like headaches or digestive issues.
Commercially Vegan: The commercially manufactured additive is typically derived from non-animal sources and is considered vegan-friendly.

Understanding Calcium Propionate: What is E282?

Calcium propionate, identified as E282 in the European food additive system, is an organic calcium salt of propionic acid. It functions primarily as a preservative, effectively inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and certain bacteria in food products. Its effectiveness is particularly valuable in the baking industry, where it helps prevent spoilage and extends the shelf life of bread, cakes, and other baked goods. Commercially, it is produced by reacting propionic acid with calcium hydroxide. Beyond its role as a preservative, calcium propionate also acts as a source of calcium, contributing a small amount of nutritional value.

The EU Regulatory Status of Calcium Propionate as a Food Additive

The status of calcium propionate within the EU is often a point of confusion, but its use as a food additive is permitted under specific regulations. The substance is explicitly listed as an authorised food additive in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. For instance, its use in bread and rolls is permitted, with Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/683 specifically extending its use to tortillas.

Clarifying the Plant Protection Regulation

One of the main reasons for public misunderstanding surrounding the status of calcium propionate is a separate EU regulation concerning plant protection products. On August 31, 2022, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1443, which concerns the non-approval of calcium propionate as a 'basic substance' for plant protection. This decision was based on concerns regarding eye-damaging effects in that specific context, a conclusion supported by a technical report from the EFSA.

Common Applications of Calcium Propionate (E282)

Bakery Products: Extends the freshness of bread, rolls, and pastries by inhibiting mold growth.
Dairy Products: Used in certain cheeses, whey, and cheese products to prevent spoilage.
Processed Meats: Acts as a preservative in hot dogs, ham, and other lunch meats.
Animal Feed: Prevents mold and bacteria from spoiling feed and is used to prevent milk fever in cows.

Potential Health Concerns and Safety Profile

While EFSA and other global authorities have deemed calcium propionate safe for consumption at approved levels, some potential side effects have been noted. The substance is metabolized and eliminated by the body, so it does not build up in cells. However, some individuals may experience adverse reactions.

Observed Potential Side Effects

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience symptoms like headaches, migraines, or skin irritation.
Behavioral Effects in Children: A study involving children consuming bread with calcium propionate noted potential links to irritability, restlessness, and sleep issues in sensitive individuals, though more research is needed.
Digestive Issues: Some people report digestive discomfort from the additive.

Calcium Propionate Regulations: A Comparison


Aspect	Food Additive (E282)	Plant Protection Substance (Basic Substance)
Regulatory Status in EU	Permitted for authorized uses and levels	Not Approved as a basic substance
Governing Regulation	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 & amendments	Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 & Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1443
Use Case	Preservative in food products like bread, cheese, and processed meat	For agricultural use, as a pesticide or fungicide
Reason for Authorization/Non-Approval	Re-evaluation by EFSA confirmed safety for consumption at regulated levels	Non-approval based on concerns of eye-damaging effects in this specific application context
Labeling	Labeled as 'calcium propionate' or E282	Not applicable, as it cannot be used for this purpose in the EU

Conclusion

Calcium propionate (E282) is not banned for use as a food additive in the European Union. Its continued use is supported by positive safety evaluations by EFSA, allowing it to be used as a preservative in various foods like bread and certain dairy products. Confusion likely stems from a distinct EU decision not to approve it for plant protection, a different application. Foods containing E282 in the EU are legally permitted, though sensitive individuals may limit intake. For more information, consult the official EUR-Lex database: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32008R1333.

How to Check for Calcium Propionate (E282)

Under EU law, food manufacturers must list all food additives. You will find calcium propionate on ingredient lists by its common name or as E282.

Is E282 Vegan? The Source of Calcium Propionate

Commercially produced calcium propionate is derived from non-animal sources, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. It is synthesized from propionic acid and calcium hydroxide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, E282 is the E-number designation for calcium propionate, a common preservative listed in the European Union's food additive system.

The confusion likely stems from a 2022 EU regulation that denied approval for calcium propionate's use as a 'basic substance' for plant protection, which is separate from its continued authorization as a food preservative.

Within Europe, calcium propionate is frequently added to baked goods like bread and pastries, as well as certain dairy products such as some cheeses and whey.

Yes, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a re-evaluation of propionates, including E282, and concluded in 2011 that there were no safety concerns at the maximum authorized use levels.

While propionic acid (a component of calcium propionate) occurs naturally in some fermented foods, the calcium propionate used as a commercial food additive is typically synthesized in a laboratory.

While generally considered safe for most people, some sensitive individuals may experience adverse reactions such as headaches, migraines, or digestive discomfort.

Yes, it contributes a small amount of calcium to the food, which can be a beneficial mineral. However, the amount is minimal and does not significantly impact overall dietary intake.