E509Stabiliser · Thickener · Coagulant
Calcium chloride
What the research shows
PrototypeNot enough
published research on this page yet
1 health finding on this page so far · See the findings
Used in food as a stabiliser, thickener or coagulant.
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- EU permitted
What research says
Animal and lab studies only
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Concern
Heart and nerve effects1
In lab studies, calcium chloride above certain levels affected zebrafish hearts and nerves, and higher levels killed the embryos.
The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.
Regulatory status
Checked Sep 2026-
United States Permitted FDA 21 CFR 184.1193
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European Union Permitted EUR-Lex Reg. (EC) 1333/2008
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United Kingdom Permitted FSA retained EU law
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Canada Permitted Health Canada · Firming Agents
Status reflects the named register on the date checked. It is not a safety rating.
How we checkProducts
The 6 most-scanned of 12,948 products on Open Food Facts that list calcium chloride.
- Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli Crisps Walkers · 150 g 2 additives
- Jalapeño Ramona's Heavenly Houmous Ramona's · 500 g 3 additives
- Big Mac McDonald's · 232 g 18 additives
- Purified Water Member's Mark · 40 pk. 16.9oz 0 additives
- Organic Super Firm Tofu Plant Menu · 200 g 2 additives
- Mince Quorn · 500 g 2 additives
References
- 1Bailone RL, Fukushima HCS, de Aguiar LK, Borra RC. Calcium Chloride Toxicology for Food Safety Assessment Using Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos. Comp Med. 2022;72(5):342-348. doi:10.30802/AALAS-CM-22-000009