E282: Calcium Propionate (Bread Anti-Mold)

Direct Answer

E282 (Calcium Propionate) is the calcium salt of propionic acid, the premier mold and 'rope' bacteria inhibitor in industrial yeast-leavened bakery goods. INS 282, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), preserving sliced bread for weeks without retarding yeast activity.

Source: EFSA ANS Panel (2014) / FDA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E282
INS / Codex Number	INS 282
Functional Class	Preservative (Bakery Anti-Mold & Anti-Rope)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Limited (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula	Ca(C3H5O2)2
Primary Mechanism	Propionate ion disrupts membrane transport in Penicillium molds and Bacillus mesentericus (rope bacteria)
Common Target Foods	Commercial sliced white/wheat bread, hamburger buns, tortillas, pita bread
Dietary Compliance	Vegan, Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1221)

Why Propionate is Unique in Yeast Baking

Unlike sorbates or benzoates which kill commercial baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), propionate specifically inhibits filamentous molds while allowing yeast fermentation and dough rise to proceed normally at typical doses of 0.2–0.4%.