Ingredient · E385

Preservative Calcium Disodium EDTA

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add calcium disodium EDTA to foods to prevent spoilage by binding to metal …

What it is

Calcium disodium EDTA is a synthetic compound that acts as a chelating agent. It is made through a chemical process involving ethylenediamine, formaldehyde, and sodium cyanide. It is used to bind with metal ions.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add calcium disodium EDTA to foods to prevent spoilage by binding to metal ions that can cause oxidation and color changes. It helps maintain the product's flavor, color, and texture. It is commonly found in dressings, sauces, canned goods, and some beverages.

Health notes

Calcium disodium EDTA is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. It is used in small amounts and is not absorbed well by the body. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated it and established an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have explored its potential therapeutic uses, but it is not approved for medicinal purposes.

Allergen info

Calcium disodium EDTA is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Preservative Calcium Disodium EDTA

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Mott's LLP Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mix, Mango Alcohol 92kcal 0Protein 0Fat 22.5Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Brownie Batter Cake, Brownie Batter Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 500kcal 5Protein 28.8Fat 57.5Carbs Dominick's Finer Foods Kale And Sweet Potato Bowls Other Deli High in sodium — 27% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 112kcal 3.5Protein 5.1Fat 14.6Carbs Dunkin' Donuts Inc Caramel Swirl Creamy Syrup, Caramel Syrups & Molasses High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving 316kcal 2.6Protein 9.2Fat 57.9Carbs Light Mayo Mayonnaise, Light Giant Eagle, Inc. Light Mayo Mayonnaise, Light Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 233kcal 0Protein 23.3Fat 6.7Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Carrot Cake, Carrot Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in added sugars — 62% DV per serving 427kcal 2.2Protein 25.8Fat 47.2Carbs
Water (6 products) Sugar (5 products) Salt (5 products) Polysorbate 60 (3 products) Soybean Oil (3 products) Soy Lecithin (3 products) Natural Flavors (3 products) Riboflavin (2 products) Yellow 5 (2 products) Vitamin A Palmitate (2 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.