Calcium carbonate

What it is

Chalk. Used as a white colour, an anti-caking agent and a calcium source. UK law requires it to be added to most flour.

What it does

• Colour

  Adds or restores colour.

• Acidity regulator

  Controls how acidic or alkaline a food is.

• Anti-caking agent

  Stops powders clumping together.

Regulatory position

• European Union

  Authorised for use in food

  Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

Authorisation in one country says nothing about another, and the absence of a record here is not evidence either way. Where precision matters, follow the citation to the regulation itself.