Calcium Chloride

E509 is the European food-additive number for Calcium Chloride, a firming agent — keeps fruit and vegetables firm or crisp. Calcium Chloride (E509) is a stabiliser used as a food additive.

What is E509 used for?

Calcium Chloride (E509) is a firming agent — keeps fruit and vegetables firm or crisp. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition.

Is E509 safe or restricted?

E509 is approved for use in the EU but has drawn regulatory attention — its conditions of use or acceptable daily intake have been re-examined by EFSA or equivalent bodies. Forkin classifies it as “Regulatory attention” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.

Frequently asked questions about E509

What is E509?

E509 is the E-number for Calcium Chloride, a firming agent — keeps fruit and vegetables firm or crisp. Calcium Chloride (E509) is a stabiliser used as a food additive.

What is E509 used for?

Calcium Chloride (E509) is a firming agent — keeps fruit and vegetables firm or crisp. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.

Is E509 vegan or vegetarian?

It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.

Is E509 safe, and is it banned anywhere?

E509 is approved for use in the EU but has drawn regulatory attention — its conditions of use or acceptable daily intake have been re-examined by EFSA or equivalent bodies. Forkin classifies it as "Regulatory attention" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.