firming agent INS 516

Calcium Sulfate E516

stabilizer, thickener, raising agent, coagulant — Primarily mineral or synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Calcium sulfate (CaSO4)

CAS: 7778-18-9

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 Sulfate occurs naturally in Gypsum rock (calcium sulfate dihydrate) and Anhydrite mineral. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Calcium Sulfate 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 Sulfate 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

Permitted in various food categories as firming agent, stabilizer, and raising agent.

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Widely used in baking and tofu production.

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Common tofu coagulant in Japan.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

not specified (acceptable for use)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

not specified (no safety concern at current use levels)

Natural Occurrence

Calcium sulfate occurs abundantly in nature as the mineral gypsum. Food-grade calcium sulfate can be mined and purified from natural deposits or produced synthetically.

Gypsum rock (calcium sulfate dihydrate)Anhydrite mineralAlabaster (a form of gypsum)

Manufacturing

Method: mining or chemical synthesis

Extracted from natural gypsum deposits through mining, crushing, and purification. Can also be produced synthetically by reacting calcium chloride with sulfuric acid or as a byproduct of various chemical processes. Available in anhydrous, hemihydrate, and dihydrate forms.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Bulking agent, opacifying agent in personal care products.

Medical

Tablet and capsule diluent, bone setting (plaster casts).

Industrial

Construction (drywall, plaster), cement production, agricultural soil conditioner.

Household

Plaster of Paris for crafts, blackboard chalk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcium Sulfate (E516)?

Calcium Sulfate (E516) is a firming agent used in food products. It is stabilizer, thickener, raising agent, coagulant and mineral or synthetic. Calcium sulfate occurs abundantly in nature as the mineral gypsum. Food-grade calcium sulfate can be mined and purified from natural deposits or produced synthetically.

Where is Calcium Sulfate found naturally?

Calcium Sulfate is naturally found in Gypsum rock (calcium sulfate dihydrate), Anhydrite mineral, Alabaster (a form of gypsum). Calcium sulfate occurs abundantly in nature as the mineral gypsum. Food-grade calcium sulfate can be mined and purified from natural deposits or produced synthetically.

What is the ADI for Calcium Sulfate?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Calcium Sulfate is not specified (acceptable for use) 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 Sulfate?

Calcium Sulfate is used in various food categories including Batters, Soya bean products, Bakery wares. It is used as a firming agent in these products.

Is Calcium Sulfate the same as Gypsum (dihydrate)?

Yes, Calcium Sulfate is also known as Gypsum (dihydrate), Plaster of Paris (hemihydrate), Anhydrite (anhydrous). These are different names for the same substance.