# Calcium Carbonate (E170)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**E-number:** E170
**CAS number:** 471-34-1
**Category:** colorant
**FDA GRAS:** yes
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Calcium carbonate (CAS 471-34-1) is a naturally occurring mineral compound commonly used in food as an anticaking agent, leavening agent, and nutrient supplement. It serves multiple functions including pH control, moisture regulation, and as a source of dietary calcium in fortified foods.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## Safety Assessment

Calcium carbonate has an extensive history of safe use in food and is recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. FDA. The safety profile is well-established through decades of widespread use and regulatory oversight. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events and zero recalls associated with calcium carbonate as a food additive, indicating a strong safety record in commercial food applications.

From a toxicological perspective, calcium carbonate is non-toxic when ingested in food-relevant amounts. The human body naturally processes calcium and can tolerate the compound without adverse effects at normal dietary levels. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has similarly affirmed the safety of calcium carbonate in food applications. Excessive intake of supplemental calcium from any source could theoretically contribute to adverse effects in susceptible individuals, but this relates to overall calcium intake rather than the compound itself.

## Regulatory Status

Calcium carbonate is approved for food use in major regulatory jurisdictions worldwide. In the United States, it is listed as GRAS and may be used in foods according to FDA regulations without a specific limitation on quantity, provided use is consistent with good manufacturing practices. The compound is approved in the European Union under the E170 designation as a food additive. It is also permitted in food applications in Canada, Australia, Japan, and numerous other countries, reflecting its broad acceptance as a safe food ingredient.

## Key Studies

The safety of calcium carbonate in food has been supported by long-term observational data and regulatory reviews. Its designation as GRAS was established based on extensive historical use in the food supply and scientific literature demonstrating safety at typical exposure levels. The compound's biochemistry is straightforward: when ingested, calcium carbonate either dissolves in stomach acid to provide bioavailable calcium or passes through the digestive tract largely unchanged. Multiple dietary surveys have confirmed that calcium carbonate use in foods does not present safety concerns when consumed as part of a normal diet. The lack of any reported adverse events or recalls in FDA databases over decades of use provides additional reassurance regarding its safety profile in food applications.

## Brands using Calcium Carbonate

- GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. (62 products)
- Cheerios (27 products)
- Silk (19 products)
- Abbott (17 products)
- Enfamil (11 products)
- Quest (11 products)
- Chex Mix (9 products)
- Gerber (8 products)
- Abbott Nutrition (7 products)
- Kraft Heinz Foods Company (7 products)
- Annie's (6 products)
- KSF Acquisition Corporation (6 products)
- Flowers Foods, Inc. (5 products)
- General Mills (5 products)
- McKee Foods Corporation (5 products)
- Special K (5 products)
- Bimbo (4 products)
- Hostess Brands, LLC (4 products)
- Lucky Charms (4 products)
- Reese's Puffs (4 products)
- Califia Farms (3 products)
- Chobani (3 products)
- General Mills, Inc. (3 products)
- H-E-B (3 products)
- Trix (3 products)
- Abbott Laboratories Inc (2 products)
- Almond Breeze (2 products)
- Bimbo Bakeries USA, Inc. (2 products)
- Bobbie (2 products)
- Bubs (2 products)

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Calcium Carbonate (E170) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/calcium-carbonate. Accessed 2026-05-20.