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E385 Calcium disodium EDTA (EDTA)

E385PreservativesOrigin: Lab-made
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The short answer
Calcium disodium EDTA (E385) grabs stray metals so dressings, sodas and canned beans keep their color and flavor. Very little is absorbed, and it's safe in the small amounts allowed.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE385
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesPreservatives
Glycemic index—
Daily limit2.5 mg/kg
Also calledCalcium disodium EDTA, Disodium calcium EDTA

Condiments without EDTA

Clean-label swaps
Clean grocery swap

Avocado oil mayonnaise without EDTA

Several brands use lemon juice and vinegar instead.

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Clean substitute

Organic salad dressings

Certified organic dressings can't use EDTA.

Shop organic dressings Opens your country’s Amazon store
Pantry swap

Dry beans in bulk

Cooked at home, they need no color protector.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved in the US, EU and Canada with strict limits for each food. The EU allows it only in a few products, such as canned beans, mayonnaise and spreads. The daily limit is 2.5 mg per kg of body weight.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

175 mgper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 2.5 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 50 mg a day.

What is it?

EDTA is a chelator: it locks onto traces of iron and copper that would otherwise make fats go rancid and colors turn dull. US labels usually say "to protect flavor."

Where it comes from: Made in a factory from ethylenediamine, formaldehyde and sodium cyanide, then purified and combined with calcium.

Why it’s in food

  • Keeps mayonnaise and dressings from going rancid
  • Stops canned beans and seafood from darkening
  • Protects flavor and color in soft drinks
  • Helps other preservatives work better

Often found in

MayonnaiseSalad dressingsCanned beansCanned crab and shrimpSoft drinksSandwich spreads

Also listed as: Calcium disodium EDTA, Disodium calcium EDTA, Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, Calcium EDTA, EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Edetate calcium disodium

Health & gut impact

AbsorptionBenefit

Only about 5% is absorbed from the gut, and what is absorbed leaves in urine within a day.

JECFA, WHO Food Additives Series 5 (1974)

MineralsUnder study

Because it binds minerals, very high doses could lower zinc and iron uptake. The amounts in food are far below that level.

JECFA, WHO Food Additives Series 5 (1974)

What can I use instead?

Citric acid

Ratio: To label

Best for: Dressings and canned foods

Rosemary extract

Ratio: To label

Best for: Mayonnaise and oily spreads

Related

More preservatives:

Calcium Propionate E282Calcium propionate (E282) is the mold inhibitor in most packaged bread. It's considered safe, vegan and gluten-free, though a few small studies have raised questions about behavior in children and blood sugar.Use in moderationCelery powderCelery powder is how "uncured" bacon and hot dogs are cured. It's a natural source of nitrite, the same chemical as sodium nitrite, so "no nitrites added" meats aren't nitrite-free.Use in moderationPotassium Sorbate E202Potassium sorbate (E202) is one of the mildest, most studied preservatives, used to stop mold in cheese, wine and baked goods. It's safe at normal amounts, vegan and gluten-free.Generally safeSodium Benzoate E211Sodium benzoate (E211) is a common preservative in soda and sauces. It's safe at normal amounts, but it can form small amounts of benzene when mixed with vitamin C.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Calcium disodium EDTA safe?

Use in moderation (66/100). Approved in the US, EU and Canada with strict limits for each food. The EU allows it only in a few products, such as canned beans, mayonnaise and spreads. The daily limit is 2.5 mg per kg of body weight.

Is Calcium disodium EDTA vegan?

Yes.

Is Calcium disodium EDTA gluten-free?

Yes.

Is the EDTA in food the same as in shampoo?

It's a close relative. Shampoos usually use disodium or tetrasodium EDTA; food mostly uses the calcium form, which can't pull calcium out of your body.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 172.120 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E385
  • JECFA, WHO Food Additives Series 5 (1974)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 385 · CAS 62-33-9