E529: Calcium Oxide
Main role: alkaline processing
Also listed as: quicklime of food grade
What is E529 (Calcium Oxide)?
Calcium oxide reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide and is used in controlled food-processing contexts. It is an alkaline processing ingredient subject to food-grade specifications.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is alkaline processing. Mineral ingredients can adjust acidity, firm a food, or keep powders flowing. A technical mineral ingredient does not establish a nutritional dose; use the nutrition declaration to assess amounts per serving.
Food and formulation examples
- Ingredient processing
- Specified alkaline treatment
- Food manufacturing preparations
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 E529, E 529, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include quicklime of food grade. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Calcium oxide is reactive and requires appropriate professional handling. The starting processing material does not establish the chemical form or quantity present in a finished food.
Is E529 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 E529 as Calcium oxide. 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.