E-numbers / Acidity regulators / E352
also: Calcium malate · Calcium hydrogen malate
The calcium salt of malic acid, a fruit acid found naturally in apples. Added to food to control acidity and help maintain texture.
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Calcium malates are the calcium salts of malic acid (E296), a naturally occurring organic acid found in many fruits, particularly apples and pears.
Calcium malates are the calcium salts of malic acid (E296), a naturally occurring organic acid found in many fruits, particularly apples and pears. The E352 group covers two related compounds: calcium malate (E352i) and calcium hydrogen malate (E352ii). They are white or off-white powders that dissolve readily in water.
Acts as an acidity regulator by buffering pH in food and drink, keeping it stable during processing and storage. Also functions as a firming agent in some fruit and vegetable products by interacting with cell-wall pectins to maintain texture. The calcium component contributes a small amount to the mineral content of the final product.
Most commonly used in fruit-based products such as jams, jellies, fruit preparations and tinned fruit, as well as soft drinks, fruit juices, desserts and some confectionery. Less frequently found in soups, sauces and certain dairy-based products. On a UK ingredient label it appears as 'calcium malates', 'calcium malate', 'calcium hydrogen malate', or 'E352'.
EFSA evaluated malic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts as food additives and set a group acceptable daily intake of 30 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. At the levels used in food, exposure for the general population was well within this figure. A 2024 EFSA call for data signals that a formal re-evaluation of the whole malic acid and malates group is underway, consistent with the rolling EU programme reviewing all permitted additives.
EFSA set a group ADI of 30 mg/kg body weight per day for malic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts (E296, E350, E351, E352), concluding that exposure from food use did not raise a concern for the general population.
EFSA issued a call for data on malic acid and malates (E296, E350, E351, E352) as part of the systematic re-evaluation of all EU-permitted food additives, meaning the existing approval is being reviewed but no new adverse signal triggered the process.
A related compound, di-calcium malate, was assessed separately by EFSA in 2018 as a novel food ingredient and as a supplemental calcium source. EFSA concluded it was not harmful at the proposed use levels. This opinion is distinct from the food additive assessment but reinforces the view that calcium malate compounds do not carry a toxicological signal at realistic intakes.
EFSA evaluated di-calcium malate used as a novel food ingredient and as a calcium source in food supplements, total diet replacement products and foods for special medical purposes, concluding it raised no grounds to restrict it at the proposed use levels.
No specific population group is required to avoid calcium malates. People managing calcium intake for medical reasons (such as hypercalcaemia) should be aware it contributes a small amount of calcium. Look for 'calcium malates', 'calcium malate', 'calcium hydrogen malate', or 'E352' on the label.
Calcium malates are among the more straightforward food additives: the malic acid backbone is the same compound that gives apples their tartness, and the calcium salt form has been in the food supply for decades. The 2013 EFSA review produced a clear group ADI and found no adverse signal at food-use levels. The 2024 re-evaluation call is routine process, not prompted by new concern. There is no credible published evidence of harm at the amounts encountered in food.
No. Calcium malates (E352) are approved for use in food in the UK under the retained version of EU Regulation 1333/2008 and appear on the UK FSA approved-additives list.
Yes. EFSA issued a call for data on malic acid and its salts (which includes E352) in 2024 as part of the systematic rolling re-evaluation of all EU-permitted food additives. This is a routine process and was not triggered by any new safety concern.
It is most commonly found in jams, jellies, fruit preparations, canned fruit and vegetables, soft drinks, and some confectionery and desserts. Check for 'calcium malates', 'calcium malate', or 'E352' in the ingredients list.
Yes. Calcium malates are produced synthetically from malic acid and calcium sources and contain no animal-derived ingredients. E352 is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Last reviewed: 20 June 2026
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