Calspar India

What is Food Grade Calcium Carbonate (E170)?

Food grade calcium carbonate (E170) is a high-purity mineral ingredient used as a calcium fortifier, anti-caking agent, stabilizer, and whitening agent in food products. It is safe for human consumption when it meets global standards such as Codex, FSSAI, and GMP.

Why is Calcium Carbonate Used in Food?

Calcium carbonate serves multiple functions:

• Calcium fortification
• Texture improvement
• Anti-caking functionality
• Whitening (alternative to titanium dioxide)
• pH control

Key Specifications for Food Grade Calcium Carbonate

When selecting a high-quality grade, the following parameters are critical:

• Purity: Typically >98% CaCO₃
• Heavy Metals: Extremely low (Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium)
• Particle Size: Controlled micron range
• Bulk Density: Consistent for processing
• Microbiological Safety: Within food-grade limits

Applications in Food Industry

• Bakery (biscuits, bread)
• Noodles & pasta
• Snacks & extruded products
• Dairy & beverages
• Nutritional fortification

Challenges with Standard Calcium Carbonate

Many manufacturers face issues such as:

• Poor dispersion
• Chalky taste
• Inconsistent batch quality
• High heavy metal content

How CALPURE™ Solves These Problems

CALPURE™ is a precision-engineered food grade calcium carbonate designed specifically for ingestion:

• Ultra-low heavy metals
• Controlled particle size for better dispersion
• Consistent batch quality
• Neutral taste profile
• Fully compliant with global standards

Why Choosing the Right Supplier Matters

Selecting the right calcium carbonate supplier directly impacts:

• Product safety
• Regulatory approvals
• Final product quality
• Brand reputation

FAQs

Q1. Is calcium carbonate safe in food?
Yes, when it meets food-grade standards like Codex and FSSAI.

Q2. Can calcium carbonate replace titanium dioxide?
Yes, in many applications it acts as a safe whitening alternative.

Q3. What particle size is ideal?
Depends on application, typically 2–20 microns.

Q4. Does it affect taste?
High-quality grades like CALPURE™ ensure minimal taste impact.

Q5. What is E170?
E170 is the food additive code for calcium carbonate.