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Hydrated Lime

Low concern

Calcium hydroxide is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient under specified conditions. It is consumed at trace levels after neutralization in finished foods.

Found in

135 products

What it is

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), produced by adding water to calcium oxide (quicklime). In food it is used as a processing aid, firming agent, and pH regulator.

Alkalinizing agent and processing aid; used in nixtamalization of corn, in pickling, and as a firming agent.

Why it's flagged

caustic in concentrated form prior to dilution / neutralization

What regulators actually say

"Calcium hydroxide... is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice."

21 CFR 184.1205 — ecfr.gov

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

GRAS, 21 CFR 184.1205

European Union — EFSA

Authorized as food additive E526 (calcium hydroxide)

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