Kalsiyum oksit

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

Calcium oxide, also known as burnt lime, is described in the EU specification as odourless hard white or greyish white masses or powder, at least 95 per cent pure on the ignited basis, generating heat on contact with water.

Where it is used

It is used as an acidity regulator, firming agent and flour treatment agent. On contact with water it converts to calcium hydroxide; its main uses are maize processing and sugar refining.

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.