This study showed that the application of calcium propionate plus chitosan on fresh banana slices, maintained a greater firmness, ascorbic acid content, total antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, after five days of cold storage (1).

Supplementation of salts of organic acids may improve persistency of lay, egg weight, and FCR. From economical point of view, egg production was more profitable at 0.5% level of sodium butyrate and 0.5% level of calcium propionate which reduced the feed cost per dozen eggs and per kg egg mass production without affecting the egg quality (2).

Yeasts and molds are responsible for the deterioration of the dairy product, resulting in considerable food waste and economic losses. This study provides interesting information on the resistance of chemical preservatives (sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, potassium sorbate and natamycin) (3).

References_____________________________________

(1) Suitability of combination of calcium propionate and chitosan for preserving minimally processed banana quality.
Mirshekari A, Madani B, Golding JB.
J Sci Food Agric. 2017 Jan 23. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.8231

(2) The effect of dietary supplementation of salts of organic acid on production performance of laying hens.
Dahiya R, Berwal RS, Sihag S, Patil CS, Lalit.
Vet World. 2016 Dec;9(12):1478-1484. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1478-1484.

(3) Diversity of spoilage fungi associated with various French dairy products.
Garnier L, Valence F, Pawtowski A, Auhustsinava-Galerne L, Frotté N, Baroncelli R, Deniel F, Coton E, Mounier J.
Int J Food Microbiol. 2017 Jan 16;241:191-197. doi: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.10.026

Calcium propionate is a chemical compound, a natural short-chain fatty salt.

It occurs in the form of a white powder.

What it is used for and where

Food

Preservative ingredient labelled on the European food additives list with the number E282.

It is an antimicrobial, also included in food to prevent fungal growth.

Medical

Calcium propionate is a source of energy and calcium to alleviate negative energy balance and hypocalcaemia.

Cosmetics

It is a restricted ingredient V/2 as Relevant item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Maximum concentration in the ready-for-use preparation 2%.

Preservative. Any product containing organic, inorganic compounds, water, needs to be preserved from microbial contamination. Preservatives act against the development of harmful microorganisms and against oxidation of the product.

The most relevant studies on this ingredient have been selected with a summary of their contents:

"Calcium propionate studies"

• Molecular Formula  C₆H₁₀O₄Ca  C₆H₁₀CaO₄
• Linear Formula (CH₃CH₂COO)₂Ca
• Molecular Weight 186.22 g/mol
• UNII  8AI80040KW
• CAS  4075-81-4  
• EC Number: 223-795-8
• PubChem Substance ID 329751623
• MDL number MFCD00036137
• Beilstein Registry Number 3698682

Synonyms: 

• Calcium dipropionate
• Propionic acid calcium salt
• Calcium propanoate
• Mycoban
• Propanoic acid, calcium salt
• Propionic acid calcium salt hydrate
• calciumpropionate
• calcium;propanoate
• Calciumdipropionate
• Bioban-C