Calcium Propionate (E282)  

Food-Grade Mold Inhibitor, Granules & Powder

Product Overview

Calcium propionate — EU number E282, international numbering INS 282, CAS 4075-81-4, formula C₆H₁₀CaO₄ (anhydrous, MW 186.22) — is the calcium salt of propionic acid and one of the world's most trusted preservatives for protecting baked goods, dairy, meat and pickled products against molds and rope-forming bacteria. Naturally metabolized in the body and widely accepted by regulators, calcium propionate extends product shelf life without inhibiting yeast leavening at normal use levels, making it the classic choice for bread and bakery preservation.
FULLSAIL supplies food-grade calcium propionate in two delivery forms — near-dust-free granules and classic powder — engineered for modern continuous production lines.

Forms & Product Advantages

Granular (recommended for automated production lines)
  • Virtually dust-free: minimal fugitive dust during handling and feeding, improving in-plant air quality
  • Protects workers: reduces dust exposure, dust-related allergy and respiratory irritation
  • Less material loss: low spillage, wall adhesion and bag residue for cleaner, more accurate metering
  • Smoother production: excellent flowability, less bridging or caking, faster automated filling and continuous dosing
  • No compromise on performance: identical assay, antimicrobial activity and preservation effect to powder — only the physical form differs
Powder (flexible classic)
  • Fast and complete dispersion in dough, slurry and premix formulations
  • Precise dosing for small batches, R&D trials and manual dosing points
  • Broad-spectrum inhibition of molds, yeast and rope-forming bacteria
Shared Advantages (Both Forms)
  • Mold & rope control: highly effective against bread rope (Bacillus mesentericus), molds and spoilage yeasts
  • Yeast-friendly: does not inhibit yeast leavening at normal use levels; loaf volume and texture maintained
  • Naturally metabolized: propionic acid is a natural metabolite, widely accepted as safe by global authorities
  • Clean label plus: supplies dietary calcium, supporting nutritious finished products
  • GMP production: batch-to-batch stability, full traceability

Quality Standards: China / EU / USA

Market Standard
China Specification per GB 1886.356-2022; usage per GB 2760
EU Specification per Reg. (EU) No 231/2012; authorized under Reg. (EC) No 1333/2008 Annex II (E282, quantum satis); feed additive 1a282 per (EU) 2022/415
USA Conforms to FCC (Food Chemicals Codex); GRAS per FDA 21 CFR §184.1221


Specification & Typical Test Parameters (Food Grade · FCC / GB)

Parameter Standard Value Typical Result
Appearance White crystalline powder / granules Conforms
Assay (on dry basis), % ≥ 99.0 – 100.5 99.2
Insoluble Substances, % ≤ 0.2 0.12
Loss on Drying, % ≤ 5.0 4.5
pH (10% solution) 7.5 – 10.5 8.3
Free Acid, mL/g ≤ 0.3 0.20
Free Alkali, mL/g ≤ 0.15 0.11
Fluoride (as F), % ≤ 0.003 < 0.003
Lead (as Pb), mg/kg ≤ 2 < 2
Magnesium (as MgO), % ≤ 0.4 0.32
Typical results are representative batch values; a full COA is available on request.

Main Application Areas

  • Bakery & Pastry: bread, rolls, buns, cakes, steamed buns, tortillas — prevents mold and rope, extends shelf life
  • Dairy: processed cheese, cheese analogues, dairy desserts, whey-based products
  • Meat & Aquatic Products: season-marinated meat, cooked-cured products, smoked/grilled/roasted meat, surimi and semi-finished goods
  • Pickled & Seasoned Foods: pickled vegetables, soy products, compound sauces, dressings
  • Beverages & Brewing: malt beverage preservation (synergistic with sorbates)
  • Feed Preservation: mold control in compound feed and premixtures (EU registered 1a282)
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care: preservation of finished formulations

Recommended Dosage

Application Recommended Dosage
Bread, rolls, buns 0.2% – 0.5% (of flour weight)
Cakes & pastries 0.1% – 0.3%
Processed cheese quantum satis (as needed per GMP)
Pickled & seasoned foods 0.1% – 0.3%
Meat products per GB 2760 / local regulation
Guidance: the optimum dosage depends on product pH, water activity, initial microbial load, packaging and target shelf life. Always follow the target market's regulation (China GB 2760 · EU Reg. (EC) 1333/2008 · US FDA 21 CFR) and confirm with challenge-testing. When used with yeast-leavened products, minor dough-rise reduction may occur — compensate with a small extra yeast addition at high use levels.

Packaging, Storage & Shelf Life

  • Packaging: 25 kg per bag (kraft/PP woven outer + food-grade PE inner liner); trial sizes 5 kg / 10 kg; palletized for export; custom options on request
  • Storage: store sealed in a clean, cool, dry, well-ventilated place; protect from direct sunlight, heat and moisture absorption; keep away from strong oxidizers and reducers; re-seal promptly after opening
  • Shelf life: 24 months from date of production under recommended storage conditions