Calcium chloride is a common food additive used in various applications:
## Uses in Food Industry
1. *Preservative*: Calcium chloride helps preserve food texture and prevent spoilage.
2. *Firming agent*: It maintains the firmness and texture of canned fruits and vegetables.
3. *Electrolyte*: Calcium chloride can help regulate electrolyte balance in food products.
## Common Applications
1. *Canned goods*: Calcium chloride is used in canned beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
2. *Pickling*: It's used in pickling liquids to maintain texture and flavor.
3. *Dairy products*: Calcium chloride can be used in cheese production to enhance texture and flavor.
## Safety and Regulations
1. *Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)*: Calcium chloride is considered safe for consumption by regulatory agencies in many countries.
2. *Excessive consumption*: While generally safe, excessive consumption may have health implications for certain individuals.
