calcium propionate

Calcium propionate is an organic salt and the calcium salt of propionic acid. It appears as a white crystalline powder or granules with not more than a faint odor of propionic acid. Its primary use is as a food additive (E282), functioning as an antimicrobial preservative that inhibits the growth and reproduction of molds and some bacteria in foods—especially baked goods—without interfering with yeast fermentation[1][5]. In animal feed, it serves both as a mold inhibitor and as a supplemental source of dietary calcium; it is also used in veterinary medicine to help prevent or treat milk fever in cattle by providing readily absorbable calcium[3][8]. Calcium propionate acts by disrupting microbial metabolism at the cellular level, thereby preventing spoilage. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities such as the FDA and EFSA for use in food products[1][4].

Other names

calcium propanoatepropanoic acid calcium saltcalcium dipropionatepropionic acid calcium saltpropionate calcium