Calcium Oxide
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What it is
Calcium oxide is a white, powdery chemical compound. It is made by heating calcium carbonate (like limestone) in a process called calcination. It is also known as quicklime or burnt lime.
Why it's used
Calcium oxide is used as a food additive to control acidity and as a leavening agent. It helps doughs rise and can improve the texture of baked goods. It is found in products like cookies, crackers, and some frozen seafood.
Health notes
In the U.S., calcium oxide is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used for its intended purposes. It is not known to cause adverse health effects at the low levels typically found in food. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated it, and EFSA has also assessed its safety. There are no widespread controversies regarding its use in food.
Allergen info
Calcium oxide is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.