Calcium propionate
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Calcium propionate or calcium propanoate has the formula Ca(C2H5COO)2. It is the calcium salt of propionic acid.
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[edit] Uses
As a food additive, it is listed as E number 282 in the Codex Alimentarius. Calcium propionate is used as a preservative in a wide variety of products, including but not limited to bread, other bakery goods, processed meat, whey, and other dairy products.[1] In agriculture, it is used, amongst other things, to prevent milk fever in cows and as a feed supplement [2] Propionates prevent microbes from producing the energy they need, like benzoates do. However, unlike benzoates, propionates do not require an acidic environment.[3]
Calcium propionate is used in bakery products as a mould inhibitor. Mold contamination is considered a serious problem amongst bakers, and conditions commonly found in baking present near-optimal conditions for mold growth.[4]
A few decades ago, Bacillus mesentericus (rope), was a serious problem,[citation needed] but today's improved sanitary practices in the bakery, combined with rapid turnover of the finished product, have virtually eliminated this form of spoilage.[citation needed] Calcium propionate and sodium propionate are effective against both Bacillus mesentericus rope and mold.[citation needed]
According to the Pesticide Action Network North America, calcium propionate is slightly toxic.[5] This rating is not uncommon for food products; Vitamin C is also rated by the same standards as being slightly toxic. [6] Calcium propionate can be used as a pesticide.[7]
[edit] Behavioral effects
Calcium propionate has been weakly linked to irritability, restlessness, inattention, and sleep disturbance in children.[8] The Ecologist Online claims that it is linked to allergic reactions in bakery workers.[9]
[edit] References
- ^ Codex Alimentarius data for calcium propionate
- ^ Center for Food and Nutrition Policy review of use of calcium propionate as an organic agent in cow feed and as milk fever prevention
- ^ Ingredients -- Calcium propionate. Retrieved on 2007-03-10.
- ^ Keeping molds, bacteria at bay. Retrieved on 2007-03-24.
- ^ Pesticide Action Network data on calcium propionate
- ^ Pesticide Action Network data on Vitamin C
- ^ Biggs, A.R., M. El-Kholi, S. El-Neshawy, and R. Nickerson. 1997. Effect of calcium salts on growth, polygalacturonase activity, and colonization of peach fruit by Monilinia fructicola. Plant Disease 81:399-403.
- ^ Pubmed document
- ^ the ecologist doc. 307
[edit] External links
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