Kalsiyum hidroksit

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

Calcium hydroxide, also known as slaked lime, is defined in the EU specification as a white powder of at least 92 per cent purity. It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in glycerol.

Where it is used

It is used as an acidity regulator and firming agent. Its main uses are the nixtamalisation of maize in Mexican cooking, keeping pickles and canned vegetables firm, and clarification in sugar production.

Health note

JECFA has placed this substance in the “ADI not specified” group, meaning no numerical daily intake limit was considered necessary; in the EU it appears in the Group I list of Regulation 1333/2008 and is used at “quantum satis”, the smallest amount technologically required. No health risk has been reported at normal food use levels.

Halal assessment

This substance is an inorganic mineral compound produced without animal raw materials, so no halal concern has been reported for the additive itself. The product as a whole should still be assessed: carriers or other ingredients in the formulation may be of animal origin.