In the modern world, the food industry uses various additives in the production of food products: dyes, flavorings, flavor enhancers, stabilizers and others. One of them is the food supplement e238, which is banned in many European countries due to its negative effect on the human body. The substance is used as a preservative, it is used to prevent the propagation of fungi and pathogenic microbes. In another way, this supplement is called calcium formate.
Description of the substance
Calcium Formate (Ca (HCOO) 2 ) is a salt of formic acid. It has the appearance of a crystalline white powder with a mild odor.
Calcium formate (E238) is highly soluble in water, has a density of 1.91 g / cm 3 , and decomposes at a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius.
Characteristic
Calcium formate is used in many fields, including the food industry. It is a preservative, as it helps to extend the shelf life of products, stopping the growth and reproduction of bacteria and fungi, which lead to spoilage. The substance is also responsible for sterilization, is part of some plants and biological fluids of living organisms.
Scope of use
In Russia, calcium formate is used in the food industry as a preservative and salt substitute in the production of soft drinks, as well as in all diet products. When fermenting vegetables, the substance is also used, since it is able to condense plant tissue, so that the consumer receives crispy canned products. This substance has one feature, it exhibits antibacterial characteristics only in an acidic environment.
The permissible daily dose of the substance is not more than three grams per kilogram of human body weight. In the production of soft drinks, the additive is used no more than 210 milliliters per liter of liquid.
Previously, this food supplement was used in canneries for harvesting fish. Today in this area it is practically not used, since the supplement was replaced with less dangerous preservatives.
Calcium formate is used in cosmetology as a substance, which prevents spoilage of cosmetic products (not more than 0.5%), in construction for concrete hardening. E238 is also used for dyeing fabrics, tanning leather, printing color wallpapers.
Effects on the body, safety requirements
Calcium formate in many countries is a prohibited food supplement, since it has a significant effect on all systems of the human body (third hazard class). If the use of the additive in the food industry occurs according to all standards, then it will not bring quick harm. But the substance has the ability to accumulate in the body, its concentration is gradually increasing. Over time, a person develops an allergy to the supplement, irritation of the mucous membrane of the epithelium and the respiratory tract, and a rash appears on the skin. Thus, it was found that the preservative does not benefit the human body.
It presents a danger to those people who come in contact with this substance. Therefore, when working with the additive, safety measures must be observed. Personal protective equipment (respirator, protective clothing, rubber gloves, etc.) must be used. In emergency situations it is necessary to use a gas mask.
Technical calcium formate is non-flammable and non-explosive. It must be stored under certain conditions. Do not smoke and use open flame where it is used, for example, in a cannery.
Packing and storage
The substance is Packed in bags of 25 kilograms. Transportation must be carried out according to all the rules developed for such goods. Store the substance on pallets in dry, enclosed spaces that are well ventilated. Shelf life is one year from the date of manufacture of the additive. The substance is capable of absorbing water well, so it must be stored in a sealed container.
This food supplement is produced on the basis of chemical industries.
Conclusion
Calcium formate - a food supplement, preservative and stabilizer that is responsible for the safety of food products, stops the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microbes and fungi. The substance is also used as a sterilizer to stop the maturation of wines, as well as a disinfectant.
The substance is hydrophilic, so it is often used as an accelerator for the hardening of concrete and other building mixtures, as well as an anti-frost additive in concrete. Due to the presence of calcium formate in concrete in an amount of 2-4%, its compressive strength is increased.
Today, this food supplement is banned for use in many countries. This is due to the fact that it negatively affects the human body, gradually accumulating in it. The additive requires certain storage and transportation conditions. When working with it, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment.