Calcium Propionate

China [CN]

Calcium propionate is a relatively new food fungicide, which is the calcium salt of the acidic fungicide propionic acid. It appears as white crystals or powder, odorless or slightly with a distinctive propionic acid smell. It is stable to light and heat, hygroscopic, readily soluble in water, and its aqueous solution is weakly alkaline. It is slightly soluble in methanol and ethanol, and insoluble in benzene and acetone. It is prone to deliquescence in humid air, loses its crystalline water when heated to 120℃, undergoes phase transformation at 200-210℃, and decomposes into calcium carbonate at 330-340℃. Under acidic conditions, free propionic acid is produced, which is weaker than sorbic acid but stronger than acetic acid. It has antibacterial effects and can inhibit Aspergillus Niger and aerophilic Bacillus, but has no effect on yeast. Calcium propionate is a normal intermediate product of animal metabolism and is relatively safe after being consumed by animals. It has a broad antibacterial effect on molds, enzyme mothers and bacteria, etc., inhibits the reproduction of microorganisms, can prevent feed from getting moldy, and can be used as a mold inhibitor for food and feed and a preservative for bread and pastries. As a feed additive, it can effectively prevent feed from mold and extend the shelf life of feed. If combined with other inorganic salts, it can also enhance the appetite of livestock and increase the milk production of dairy cows. The addition amount should be less than 0.3% of the compound feed (calculated as propionic acid). In China, when used as a food additive, GB2760-86 shall be followed. Its application scope is limited to bread, vinegar, soy sauce and soy products, with a maximum usage of 2.5g/kg.