E238 - Calcium Formate

Author: Alexander Bruni Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristics: E 238 belongs to the group of preservatives, is used to sterilize and preserve the durability of products, prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria. Used as

Characteristic

E 238 belongs to the group of preservatives, is used to sterilize and preserve the durability of products, prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria. Used as a hardener and salt substitute, it is a crystalline white powder in appearance. Calcium formate is part of some juices (plants and biological fluids of a living organism). The substance is prepared by saponification of formamide, which consists of CO and NH3; by heating on a solid base together with CO, using pressure under the influence of high temperatures. Impurities: acetate, oxalate, sodium carbonate or calcium.

Use

The maximum daily dose is 3 mg per kilogram body weight.

Calcium formate is used in the fermentation of various vegetables (especially cabbage), but not for canning, but for thickening plant tissue. It is widely used as a substitute for salt in various dietary products. When used, the special property of formates to show their antimicrobial properties is taken into account only when they get into an acidic environment, ie they must be in the form of free acid. In the past, the additive was also used in canning fish, but today there are safer preservatives for this purpose.

The biological additive is used to prevent damage to cosmetic products, but the amount should not exceed 0.5%, also for tanning leather and dyeing fabrics, to make colored wallpaper.

Impact on humans

E 238 is a banned additive, its level of danger is defined as the 3rd. The substance affects the whole organism, but if its addition to food is in accordance with the standard, it will not harm quickly. It is a danger for people who have direct contact. When working with the product, the safety rules (personal protective equipment - protective suit, respirator) must be observed.

E238 - Calcium Formate

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic

Use

Impact on humans

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