E213: Calcium Benzoate
Main role: preservation
Also listed as: calcium dibenzoate
What is E213 (Calcium Benzoate)?
Calcium benzoate is the calcium salt of benzoic acid. Like other benzoates, it is used to help control microbial spoilage in suitable food formulations. Its effectiveness depends on the recipe, including acidity, so it is not a universal preservation system.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is preservation. Preservation is one part of a food safety system. Recipe acidity, processing, packaging, and storage also affect how a product keeps. Follow the finished product’s storage instructions even when a preservative is listed.
Food and formulation examples
- Acidic food preparations
- Beverage formulations where permitted
- Sauces
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E213, E 213, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include calcium dibenzoate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
E213, sodium benzoate E211, and potassium benzoate E212 belong to the same preservative family. Changing the accompanying mineral does not remove the benzoate component.
Is E213 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E213 as Calcium benzoate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.