Calcium disodium EDTA
Score impact
-0.30
points/product
Description
The food additive E385, known as calcium disodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetate calcium disodium), is a synthetic compound belonging to the EDTA family. It is mainly used as a preservative and metal sequestrant, preventing oxidation and spoilage of foods. Industrially, it is obtained by reacting ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with sodium hydroxide and calcium carbonate, forming a mixed salt.
It is a white crystalline powder, odorless, soluble in water, with a pH in aqueous solution of approximately 6.5-7.5. Its main function is to chelate metal ions (such as iron, copper, calcium) that catalyze oxidation, discoloration, and rancidity reactions, thus extending the shelf life of foods.
It was approved as a food additive in the European Union after evaluations by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and WHO (World Health Organization). EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 2.5 mg/kg body weight per day, based on toxicological studies that showed no significant adverse effects at low doses. WHO also considers it safe within established limits.
Regarding food safety, E385 is authorized in the EU with specific maximum limits depending on the food type. On labeling, it must appear as "calcium disodium EDTA" or its E number. Although some consumers associate EDTA with possible negative effects, scientific evaluations conclude that it is safe in the amounts used in foods.
E385 is used in various food categories as a preservative and stabilizer.
In the Spanish market, it is found in sauces (mayonnaise, ketchup), canned fish and seafood, canned vegetables, cooked legumes, carbonated beverages, beer, wine, and processed meat products. It is also used in margarines and spreads to prevent oxidation. Regulation EC 1333/2008 sets maximum limits: for example, 75 mg/kg in emulsified sauces, 250 mg/kg in canned fish, 200 mg/kg in canned legumes, and 30 mg/kg in beverages.
In the United States, the FDA considers it GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) with similar limits, while in Japan its use is more restricted. The main function is to sequester trace metals that accelerate spoilage, improving color, flavor, and texture stability.
Documented adverse effects of E385 are scarce and mainly associated with doses much higher than the ADI. Animal studies have shown that high doses can interfere with the absorption of minerals such as zinc and calcium, but at food use levels no significant effects have been observed in humans.
EFSA, in its 2018 re-evaluation, concluded that there is no evidence of genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive effects at authorized doses. Sensitive populations, such as people with zinc deficiency or kidney disease, could theoretically be affected, but there are no conclusive data. EDTA may interact with some medications (such as anticoagulants or mineral supplements), reducing their absorption.
Overall, WHO and EFSA consider E385 safe in the amounts used in foods, and no adverse effects have been reported in the general population.
- Calcium disodium EDTA
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetate calcium disodium
- Calcium disodium EDTA
- Calcium disodium EDTA
- EDTA-CaNa2
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetate calcium disodium
- Calcium disodium EDTA
- Calcium disodium chelate
- Calcium sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetate calcium sodium
Products in our Spanish database containing this additive
Examples found in ComerClaro Spanish product database
Product names and supermarket data may appear in Spanish.
Classification:
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