Ingredient Information

Calcium Disodium EDTA

Alerts

Medical Conditions

  • PREGNANT

Function

Calcium Disodium EDTA is used in foods as a preservative and sequestrant. Often, on the food label, the words “used to protect quality” are listed after this ingredient. It is commonly added to canned potatoes, corn, and lima beans to retain color. You will also find this ingredient in dressings, mayonnaise and margarine products. It is used to slow crystal formation in canned crab meat. In canned and carbonated beverages and soft drinks, it is added to retain flavor.

Other Use and Industries

Calcium Disodium EDTA is a strong chelating agent and is used medically to treat lead poisoning. It is also used in skin care products, mostly as a preservative.

Health Effects

There are no known health effects in relation to consuming calcium disodium EDTA in foods.

Origins

Calcium Disodium EDTA is a salt form of EDTA. The process of manufacturing this food ingredient starts with the synthesis of EDTA. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is made from the chemical reaction of ethylenediamine, formaldehyde, and sodium cyanide. The salt form of EDTA is synthesized by the addition of calcium and two sodium ions.

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