Calcium Stearate
Authorized food additive. EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation of E 470a (sodium, potassium, calcium salts of fatty acids) found no safety concerns at typical use levels and retained the group ADI 'not specified' from the SCF (1991).
What it is
Calcium salt of stearic acid; a fine white powder used as a lubricant, flow agent, and anticaking agent.
Anticaking agent and processing aid; prevents clumping in powders.
Why it's flagged
- limited toxicology data, but no observed adverse effect
What regulators actually say
"Calcium stearate. The ingredient is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice."
"Re-evaluation of sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids (E 470a) and magnesium salts of fatty acids (E 470b) as food additives."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS direct food additive (21 CFR 184.1229).
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E 470a; ADI 'not specified' (EFSA 2018).
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