Calcium Chloride (E 509)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Calcium chloride (E 509) is a very soluble calcium salt. In food it firms canned vegetables and fruit, helps set tofu, and is used in cheesemaking and some beverages.

What the evidence review says

Calcium chloride is a calcium salt that firms canned vegetables and fruit, helps set tofu and is used in cheesemaking. EFSA's 2019 review found no safety concern at reported food-additive uses. It breaks down into calcium and chloride, both normal parts of the diet.

No safety concern at reported food-additive uses in the 2019 EFSA chloride re-evaluation. Concentrated calcium chloride is salty, bitter, and irritating on direct contact, which limits how much is used in food. Very high total calcium intakes are a nutrient issue, not a finding about this additive at use levels.

• Source: EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), EFSA J, 2019 · doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5751

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.