sequestrant INS 578

Calcium Gluconate E578

firming agent, acidity regulator, calcium source — Primarily fermentation-derived.

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

Calcium D-gluconate (C12H22CaO14)

CAS: 299-28-5

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 Gluconate is produced through fermentation — the same biological process used to make bread, beer, and yogurt.

Beyond food, Calcium Gluconate 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 Gluconate 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 as sequestrant, firming agent, and acidity regulator in various food categories.

Official EFSA Link
🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Used as nutrient supplement and firming agent.

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

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)

Natural Occurrence

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

Manufacturing

Method: neutralization

Produced by neutralizing gluconic acid (from glucose fermentation) with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. The resulting calcium gluconate is purified and crystallized.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Chelating agent in skin care products.

Medical

Calcium supplement, treatment for hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia, emergency antidote for hydrofluoric acid burns.

Industrial

Rare industrial use.

Household

Calcium supplement tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcium Gluconate (E578)?
Calcium Gluconate (E578) is a sequestrant used in food products. It is firming agent, acidity regulator, calcium source and fermentation-derived. Calcium gluconate does not occur naturally but is derived from gluconic acid, which occurs in honey and fruits.
What is the ADI for Calcium Gluconate?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Calcium Gluconate 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 Gluconate?
Calcium Gluconate is used in various food categories including Canned or bottled vegetables, Dietary supplements. It is used as a sequestrant in these products.