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Gruene Biotechnologie Independent explanations: genetic engineering, plants and food Check a label

What is E 516?

E 516 is the E number of Calcium sulphate. Mineral salt also known as gypsum. It serves as a firming agent, for example to coagulate tofu, and as a flour treatment agent.

What is E 516 used for?

E 516 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as firming agent, carrier, flour treatment agent.

  • Firming agent: Firming agents keep fruit or vegetables firm and crisp.
  • Carrier: Carriers dissolve, dilute or disperse other additives, flavourings or nutrients without having a technical effect themselves.
  • Flour treatment agent: Flour treatment agents improve the baking quality of flour or dough.

Which foods may contain E 516?

According to the European Commission's database, E 516 may be used in 68 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

  • Dairy products and analogues
  • Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
  • Edible ices
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Confectionery
  • Cereals and cereal products
  • Bakery wares
  • Meat
  • Fish and fisheries products
  • Eggs and egg products
  • Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
  • Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
  • Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
  • Beverages
  • Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
  • Desserts
  • Food supplements
  • Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 516 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 516 linked to genetic engineering?

No typical link to genetic engineering is known for this substance: it is not usually obtained from plants for which GM varieties exist, nor produced by fermentation.

How does E 516 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Firming agent: E 516" or "Firming agent: Calcium sulphate".

Sources