anti-caking agent INS 538

Calcium Ferrocyanide E538

crystallization aid — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved
🇺🇸 USA: Approved
🇯🇵 Japan: Approved
🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved
🇨🇦 Canada: Approved
Scientific Name

Calcium ferrocyanide (Ca2[Fe(CN)6])

CAS: 13821-08-4

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?

Beyond food, Calcium Ferrocyanide 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.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: 20 (as anhydrous ferrocyanide) mg/kg

Restricted to use in salt and salt substitutes only. Same maximum levels as other ferrocyanides.

Official EFSA Link
🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS (limited use)

Limited to 13 ppm in table salt.

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Restricted use with maximum limits.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0-0.025 mg/kg bw/day (as ferrocyanide ion, group ADI for all ferrocyanides)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

0.03 mg/kg bw/day (as ferrocyanide ion, group ADI)

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Produced by reacting sodium or potassium ferrocyanide with calcium chloride. Like other ferrocyanides, the hexacyanoferrate complex is extremely stable with cyanide groups tightly bound to iron.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Not used.

Medical

Not used.

Industrial

Limited industrial use compared to sodium and potassium ferrocyanides.

Household

Present in table salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcium Ferrocyanide (E538)?
Calcium Ferrocyanide (E538) is a anti-caking agent used in food products. It is crystallization aid and synthetic. Calcium ferrocyanide does not occur naturally. It is synthetically manufactured for use as an anti-caking agent in salt.
What is the ADI for Calcium Ferrocyanide?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Calcium Ferrocyanide is 0-0.025 mg/kg bw/day (as ferrocyanide ion, group ADI for all ferrocyanides) 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 Ferrocyanide?
Calcium Ferrocyanide is used in various food categories including Table salt and salt substitutes. It is used as a anti-caking agent in these products.
Is Calcium Ferrocyanide the same as Calcium hexacyanoferrate?
Yes, Calcium Ferrocyanide is also known as Calcium hexacyanoferrate, Calcium hexacyanoferrate(II). These are different names for the same substance.