E509Stabiliser · Thickener · Coagulant
Calcium chloride
What the research shows
Concerning
in animal and lab studies only
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
Fish embryo development1
In lab studies, calcium chloride above 0.4% harmed zebrafish embryos' development and heart and nerve activity.
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 one finding in people. When most findings in people point one way, the page leans that way (“Mostly”), and every finding is still shown. 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.
What expert reviews concluded
Expert panels that weigh all the research. Shown for context: the signal at the top does not count them.
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UN and WHO food additive experts (JECFA), 1973
No daily limit needed (“ADI not specified”, JECFA’s term for very low toxicity).
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