Calcium propionate

Calcium propionate or calcium propanoate has the formula Ca(C₂H₅COO)₂. It is the calcium salt of propionic acid.

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Uses

As a food additive, it is listed as E number 282 in the Codex Alimentarius. Calcium propionate is used as a preservative in a wide variety of products, including but not limited to bread, other bakery goods, processed meat, whey, and other dairy products.^[2] In agriculture, it is used, amongst other things, to prevent milk fever in cows and as a feed supplement ^[3] Propionates prevent microbes from producing the energy they need, like benzoates do. However, unlike benzoates, propionates do not require an acidic environment.^[4]

Calcium propionate is used in bakery products as a mold inhibitor. Mold contamination is considered a serious problem amongst bakers, and conditions commonly found in baking present near-optimal conditions for mold growth.^[5]

A few decades ago, Bacillus mesentericus (rope), was a serious problem,^{[citation needed]} but today's improved sanitary practices in the bakery, combined with rapid turnover of the finished product, have virtually eliminated this form of spoilage.^{[citation needed]} Calcium propionate and sodium propionate are effective against both Bacillus mesentericus rope and mold.^{[citation needed]}

According to the Pesticide Action Network North America, calcium propionate is slightly toxic.^[6] This rating is not uncommon for food products; vitamin C is also rated by the same standards as being slightly toxic. ^[7] Calcium propionate can be used as a pesticide.^[8]

Behavioral effects

Calcium propionate has been weakly linked to irritability, restlessness, inattention, and sleep disturbance in children.^[9] The Ecologist Online claims that it is linked to allergic reactions in bakery workers.^[10]

References

1. ^ Merck Index, 11th Edition, 1705.
2. ^ Codex Alimentarius data for calcium propionate
3. ^ Center for Food and Nutrition Policy review of use of calcium propionate as an organic agent in cow feed and as milk fever prevention
4. ^ Ingredients -- Calcium propionate. Retrieved on 2007-03-10.
5. ^ Keeping molds, bacteria at bay. Retrieved on 2007-03-24.
6. ^ Pesticide Action Network data on calcium propionate
7. ^ Pesticide Action Network data on Vitamin C
8. ^ Biggs, A.R., M. El-Kholi, S. El-Neshawy, and R. Nickerson. 1997. Effect of calcium salts on growth, polygalacturonase activity, and colonization of peach fruit by Monilinia fructicola. Plant Disease 81:399-403.
9. ^ Pubmed document
10. ^ the ecologist doc. 307