Calcium disodium EDTA

Calcium disodium EDTA suppliers and sourcing guide

Calcium disodium EDTA is the calcium disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a chelating agent that binds trace metals such as iron and copper. In foods it slows metal-driven discoloration, flavor change and rancidity in dressings, mayonnaise, sauces, canned beans and soft drinks. It is made by reacting EDTA with a calcium source and sodium hydroxide, then crystallizing, and is sold as a white crystalline powder, usually the dihydrate.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Acids, preservatives and leavening
Also known as: Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate · Edetate calcium disodium · E385 · CaNa2EDTA
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of calcium disodium EDTA

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

Dihydrate powder
The most common food form, a fine white powder that dissolves readily in water.
Granular
Coarser granules for lower dust in large-scale batching.
Food grade (FCC)
Tested to the Food Chemicals Codex monograph for direct food use.
USP grade
Edetate calcium disodium made to the USP monograph for drug and supplement use.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (complexometric titration): Calcium disodium EDTA content, reported against the 99 percent minimum on the dihydrate or trihydrate basis in 21 CFR 172.120.
Water content: Loss on drying or Karl Fischer water, which confirms the hydrate form and sets the anhydrous-basis dose.
Nitrilotriacetic acid: NTA by HPLC, a manufacturing impurity limited in the FCC monograph.
pH: pH of an aqueous solution, a quick identity and consistency check.
Lead and heavy metals: Lead and other metals by ICP-MS or ICP-OES.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed in a cool, dry place; the powder is stable but takes up moisture and can cake. Keep it away from acids and strong oxidizers. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, typically confirmed by a retest of assay and water.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the hydrate form and water content for each lot, since federal limits are calculated as the anhydrous compound. Rotate first-expiring lots first.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

21 CFR 172.120 permits calcium disodium EDTA as a food additive in listed foods, such as mayonnaise, dressings, sauces and canned carbonated soft drinks, at set limits.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
The regulation requires a minimum of 99 percent by weight of the dihydrate or trihydrate, or a mixture of the two.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
Health Canada's List of Permitted Sequestering Agents includes calcium disodium EDTA, starting with beans and beans with pork.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Calcium disodium EDTA suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking calcium disodium EDTA suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell calcium disodium EDTA? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of calcium disodium EDTA can brands buy?

Common forms include dihydrate powder, granular, food grade (FCC) and uSP grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for calcium disodium EDTA include?

Expect assay (complexometric titration), water content, nitrilotriacetic acid, pH and lead and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should calcium disodium EDTA be stored?

What is the regulatory status of calcium disodium EDTA?

21 CFR 172.120 permits calcium disodium EDTA as a food additive in listed foods, such as mayonnaise, dressings, sauces and canned carbonated soft drinks, at set limits. The regulation requires a minimum of 99 percent by weight of the dihydrate or trihydrate, or a mixture of the two. Health Canada's List of Permitted Sequestering Agents includes calcium disodium EDTA, starting with beans and beans with pork.

More acids, preservatives and leavening

All 72 acids, preservatives and leavening

Sell ingredients to brands?

Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.

Request a listing