E385 · Antioxidants, Preservatives, Sequestrants

Calcium disodium EDTA

Moderate risk antioxidantsequestrant

Chelator; mineral absorption concerns at high doses.

Category: Antioxidants, Preservatives, Sequestrants
Acceptable daily intake: 1.9 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes

What it is

Calcium disodium EDTA (E385) is a sequestrant (a chelating agent). Its sole job is to act like a chemical claw, grabbing onto microscopic trace metals (like iron or copper) in food and locking them up so they cannot catalyze oxidation and cause rancidity.

How it is used in food

A molecular claw that grips trace metals so they can’t catalyze rancidity (keeps canned chickpeas pale).

Commonly found in

Mayonnaise and salad dressings (prevents the oil from going rancid)
Canned beans and legumes (preserves color)
Canned sodas

Health and safety

Its strong grip can bind dietary minerals, raising absorption concerns at high doses.

Because it is such an aggressive chelator, E385 is handled with caution. It doesn't just trap metals in food; if consumed in large amounts, it can bind to essential minerals (like zinc or calcium) in the human gut and cause them to be excreted.

Mineral depletion at high doses

general population · evidence: established

In very high doses, it can chelate (bind to) essential nutrients like zinc and calcium, preventing the body from absorbing them.

EFSA re-evaluation of EDTA

Strongly regulated with dose limits.

Regulatory status

Region	Status	Notes
Australia & New Zealand FSANZ	Permitted	Permitted.
European Union EFSA / European Commission	Permitted	Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration)	Permitted	Approved.

Identification on labels

E-number: E385

Also printed asEDTA

Alternatives to this additive

E330: Citric acid — A weaker, but much more natural sequestrant.

How it is made

It is a purely synthetic chemical, produced from ethylenediamine, formaldehyde, and sodium cyanide.

Synthesis — Synthesized from petrochemical precursors including ethylenediamine and formaldehyde.

Worth knowing

Also used medically to treat heavy-metal poisoning.

Conclusion

It is permitted in food, but at extremely low, strictly regulated levels. Due to its synthetic nature and environmental concerns (it is very difficult for water treatment plants to break down), many clean-label brands are phasing it out.

References

EFSA re-evaluation of EDTA — EFSA

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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