Calcium Disodium EDTA (Food Grade)
INS 385 / E385 sequestrant and preservative for food and beverage manufacturing
Calcium disodium EDTA (CaNa₂EDTA) is a food additive that binds trace metal ions such as iron and copper, preventing them from catalysing oxidation, discolouration and flavour loss. It is permitted in Australia and New Zealand as food additive 385 in a limited list of food categories. Because it is supplied already bound to calcium, it does not strip calcium from the food.
Also known as: Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, edetate calcium disodium, sodium calcium edetate, CaNa₂EDTA, EDTA calcium disodium salt, E385.
🧪 How Calcium Disodium EDTA Works
EDTA is a hexadentate ligand: two nitrogen atoms and four carboxylate groups wrap around a single metal ion to form a stable 1:1 complex. In CaNa₂EDTA the ligand is supplied already bound to calcium. When it meets a metal it binds more strongly, such as iron or copper, it exchanges calcium for that metal. The captured metal can then no longer catalyse lipid oxidation or cause colour changes. JECFA notes that no excess of disodium EDTA should remain in foods, which is why the calcium salt is the preferred food form.
Binds Fe and Cu ions that catalyse rancidity in fats, dressings and sauces
Prevents metal-linked discolouration in canned seafood and vegetables
Pre-saturated with calcium, so it does not deplete calcium from the food
📊 Metal Binding Strength (log K, 25 °C)
| Metal ion | log K (EDTA) | Relevance in food |
|---|---|---|
| Fe³⁺ | 25.1 | Strongest pro-oxidant; displaces Ca immediately |
| Cu²⁺ | 18.8 | Catalyses rancidity; discolours shellfish |
| Zn²⁺ | 16.5 | Displaces Ca |
| Fe²⁺ | 14.3 | Blackening and oxidation |
| Mn²⁺ | 13.9 | Displaces Ca |
| Ca²⁺ | 10.7 | Carrier ion released on exchange |
| Mg²⁺ | 8.7 | Binds more weakly than Ca, so it is not captured |
Values from Martell & Smith, Critical Stability Constants. Only metals that bind more strongly than calcium (log K > 10.7) are exchanged.
📑 Regulatory Status
| Jurisdiction | Status | Examples of maximum levels |
|---|---|---|
| Australia / NZ (FSANZ) | Food additive 385, permitted in specified categories (Food Standards Code, Schedule 15) | Includes fully preserved fish, fruit drinks, water-based flavoured drinks, sauces and toppings, at 33–250 mg/kg |
| Codex (GSFA) | INS 385; JECFA ADI 0–2.5 mg/kg bw | e.g. canned molluscs up to 340 mg/kg |
| USA (FDA) | 21 CFR 172.120, designated foods only | Canned clams 340 ppm; canned crabmeat 275 ppm; canned shrimp 250 ppm |
| European Union | E385 under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008; specifications in Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 | Limited categories only |
Always check the current Schedule 15 entry for your exact food category before use. Limits are expressed as anhydrous CaNa₂EDTA and apply to the final food.
⚖️ Calcium Disodium EDTA vs Disodium EDTA
| Property | CaNa₂EDTA (BA-1024) | Na₂EDTA |
|---|---|---|
| INS number | 385 | 386 |
| Food additive in Australia | Yes (specified foods) | No |
| Effect on calcium | Neutral (already saturated) | Binds free calcium |
| pH (1% solution) | 6.5–7.5 | 4.3–4.7 |
| Main use | Food and beverage sequestrant | Laboratory buffers, cosmetics, US foods |
Strategic Selection
✅ Advantages
- ✓ Effective at low levels: tens to a few hundred mg/kg
- ✓ Long regulatory history: JECFA ADI established in 1973
- ✓ Low absorption: only 2–4% of an oral dose is absorbed in rats
- ✓ Heat stable: suitable for pasteurised and retorted products
⚠️ Considerations
- ▲ Category-restricted: not permitted in all foods
- ▲ Must be declared: as "385" or its name in the ingredient list
- ▲ Not "clean label": synthetic additive
- ▲ Environmental persistence: slowly biodegradable
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is calcium disodium EDTA used for in food?
It binds trace metals such as iron and copper. This prevents oxidation, rancidity, off-flavours and discolouration in foods such as sauces, dressings, canned seafood and canned vegetables.
Is calcium disodium EDTA permitted in Australia?
Yes. It is food additive 385 in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, permitted only in the food categories and at the maximum levels listed in Schedule 15.
Is calcium disodium EDTA safe?
JECFA set an acceptable daily intake of 0–2.5 mg/kg body weight. Very little is absorbed from the gut, and most of an oral dose is excreted in the faeces.
What is the difference between calcium disodium EDTA and disodium EDTA?
Calcium disodium EDTA is already bound to calcium, so it does not remove calcium from food. Disodium EDTA (INS 386) binds free calcium and is not a permitted food additive in Australia.
How much should I add?
Use the lowest level that works, and never exceed the Schedule 15 maximum for your food category. Maximum levels in Australia range from 33 to 250 mg/kg depending on the food.
🔬 Chemical Identity
📋 Specifications
📚 References
- JECFA. Toxicological evaluation of EDTA, disodium and calcium disodium salts. WHO Food Additives Series 5 (1974); ADI 0–2.5 mg/kg bw.
- JECFA. Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate — specifications. FAO JECFA Monographs 1 (2006).
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code — Standard 1.3.1 and Schedule 15.
- US FDA. 21 CFR 172.120 — Calcium disodium EDTA.
- Codex Alimentarius. General Standard for Food Additives (CXS 192-1995), INS 385.
- Martell AE, Smith RM. Critical Stability Constants, Vol. 1: Amino Acids. Plenum Press, New York.
- Foreman H, Vier M, Magee M. The metabolism of C14-labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in the rat. J Biol Chem. 1953;203:1045–1053.
✅ Current Lot
⚠️ GHS Classification (WHS Regulations, Australia)
Hazardous chemical. Not Dangerous Goods. Signal word: WARNING — GHS07 (exclamation mark).
- H315 Causes skin irritation.
- H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
- H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
- H335 May cause respiratory irritation.
Key precautions: avoid breathing dust (P261), wear gloves and eye protection (P280), and wash skin with plenty of water after contact (P302+P352).
These hazards apply to handling the concentrated powder in the workplace. They do not apply to finished foods containing permitted levels of the additive. The full 16-section SDS is supplied with every order and is available on request.