colour, acidity regulator, anticaking agent INS 170

Calcium Carbonate E170

inorganic — Primarily mineral.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Calcium carbonate

CAS: 471-34-1

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Calcium Carbonate occurs naturally in Limestone rocks and Marble. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Calcium Carbonate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Calcium Carbonate has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Approved for use in multiple food categories

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)

Widely used as a color additive, nutrient supplement, and anticaking agent

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Also approved as a nutritional fortification agent

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified (considered safe at current use levels)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified (no safety concerns at current use levels)

Natural Occurrence

One of the most abundant minerals on Earth, naturally occurring in sedimentary rocks, shells, and skeletal remains of marine organisms.

Limestone rocksMarbleChalk depositsShells of marine organismsEggshellsCoral reefs

Manufacturing

Method: mining and processing

Extracted from natural limestone or marble deposits through quarrying, followed by grinding and purification. Can also be produced synthetically through precipitation from calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used as a bulking agent, opacifier, and abrasive in toothpaste and cosmetics.

Medical

Widely used as an antacid, calcium supplement, and tablet excipient.

Industrial

Used in construction materials (cement, lime), paper manufacturing, and as a filler in plastics and paints.

Household

Used in cleaning products, antacids, and as a calcium supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcium Carbonate (E170)?

Calcium Carbonate (E170) is a colour, acidity regulator, anticaking agent used in food products. It is inorganic and mineral. One of the most abundant minerals on Earth, naturally occurring in sedimentary rocks, shells, and skeletal remains of marine organisms.

Where is Calcium Carbonate found naturally?

Calcium Carbonate is naturally found in Limestone rocks, Marble, Chalk deposits, Shells of marine organisms, Eggshells, Coral reefs. One of the most abundant minerals on Earth, naturally occurring in sedimentary rocks, shells, and skeletal remains of marine organisms.

What is the ADI for Calcium Carbonate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Calcium Carbonate is Not specified (considered safe at current use levels) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Calcium Carbonate?

Calcium Carbonate is used in various food categories including Dairy products and analogues, Confectionery, Bakery wares. It is used as a colour, acidity regulator, anticaking agent in these products.

Is Calcium Carbonate the same as Chalk?

Yes, Calcium Carbonate is also known as Chalk, Limestone, Calcite, Aragonite, CI 77220. These are different names for the same substance.

Primary Research & Evidence