E170 - Calcium Carbonate

E170 - Calcium Carbonate:

E170 is the code assigned to calcium carbonate in the European Union's food additive classification system. Calcium carbonate is a mineral substance widely used in the food industry and is also known as food chalk or limestone.

• Origin: Calcium carbonate is a natural mineral present in nature, often in the form of limestone. It can also be produced synthetically.
• Physical Properties: Calcium carbonate is in the form of a fine white powder that is odorless and tasteless.

Uses in the Food Industry:

• Filler: Calcium carbonate is used as a filler to increase the volume of a product without significantly affecting its taste.
• pH Regulator: It can act as a pH regulator by neutralizing acidity in food products.
• Texture Improvement: It can be used to improve the texture of certain food products, especially in bakery items.
• Calcium Supplement: Calcium carbonate is a source of calcium, an essential mineral for bone and teeth health. As such, it is sometimes added to certain food products to increase calcium content.
• Safety: Calcium carbonate is generally considered safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices and usage guidelines.
• Labeling: When used in food products, calcium carbonate must be listed in the ingredient list on the label.
• Other Uses: In addition to its use in the food industry, calcium carbonate is also utilized in applications such as dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and the construction materials industry.