Food Grade Calcium Carbonate (FCC)

What Is Food Grade Calcium Carbonate (FCC)?

Food Grade Calcium Carbonate (FCC) is a ultra-purified, edible-grade mineral specifically processed to meet stringent safety standards for human consumption. With ≥99% CaCO₃ purity, heavy metals <1ppm, and zero microbial contamination, FCC serves as a critical ingredient in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food products.

Key Features:

Certifications: FDA 21 CFR 184.1409. EFSA, USP-NF, EU 10/2011.

Safety: Non-GMO, allergen-free, and Kosher/Halal certified.

Versatility: Neutral taste, fine particle size (D50 5–20μm), and excellent compressibility.

How Is Food Grade Calcium Carbonate Produced?

1. High-Purity Sourcing

Raw Materials: Select limestone from quarries with geological purity reports (Fe₂O₃ <0.01%, SiO₂ <0.1%).

Exclusion Zones: Mining sites located away from industrial pollutants.

2. Pharmaceutical-Grade Processing

Steps:

Multi-Stage Washing: Remove impurities using deionized water.

Precision Milling: Jet mills produce 5–20μm particles (ISO 13320 compliant).

Sterilization: Gamma irradiation or heat treatment to meet USP <61> microbial limits.

Packaging: Nitrogen-flushed, food-grade polyethylene bags.

Quality Controls:

Heavy Metals: ICP-MS tested for Pb, Cd, As, Hg (<1ppm total).

Microbial: TAMC <100 CFU/g, TYMC <10 CFU/g (USP <2021>).

Technical Specifications of FCC

Parameter	Specification	Test Method
CaCO₃ Purity	≥99%	EDTA Titration
Particle Size (D50)	5–20 μm	Laser Diffraction
Loss on Drying	≤0.5%	USP <731>
Heavy Metals	<1 ppm	ICP-MS
Microbial Count	TAMC ≤100 CFU/g	USP <61>

Customization: Adjust particle size (3–50μm), bulk density (0.4–0.8 g/cm³).

Why Choose Food Grade Calcium Carbonate?

Uncompromised Safety:

Pharma Compliance: Meets USP/EP for direct compression tablets (e.g., antacids, calcium supplements).

Food Safety: GRAS-affirmed, ideal for baking powders, dairy alternatives, and infant formula.

Functional Performance:

Tablet Binding: 20–30% FCC loading improves hardness (≥50 N) and disintegration (<15 mins).

Acid Neutralization: Rapid reactivity in antacids (pH adjustment within 2 mins).

Supply Chain Transparency:

Batch-specific COA with traceability to mine origin.

Supports FSSC 22000 and BRCGS audits.

Applications of Food Grade Calcium Carbonate

1. Pharmaceutical Tablets

Antacids: 500–1000 mg FCC per dose for fast acid neutralization.

Calcium Supplements: 99% bioavailability, compliant with USP <2021> dissolution standards.

2. Food Fortification

Bakery Products: 1–2% FCC enhances dough stability (ISO 21415).

Plant-Based Milk: 120 mg Ca/100ml via FCC fortification (matches dairy milk).

3. Nutraceuticals

Gummy Vitamins: 5–10% FCC as a calcium source without altering texture.

Powder Mixes: Free-flowing FCC prevents caking in protein supplements.

4. Dental & Oral Care

Toothpaste: Mild abrasive (RDA 40–60) for safe enamel polishing.

Mouthwash: pH stabilization with 0.5% FCC.

Quality & Certifications

Global Approvals: FDA, EFSA, Health Canada NHP, JP (Japanese Pharmacopoeia).

Third-Party Testing: SGS reports for heavy metals, aflatoxins, and radioactivity.

Sustainability: RSPO-certified palm-free stearic acid (for coated FCC).

FAQs About Food Grade Calcium Carbonate

Q: How does FCC differ from industrial-grade CaCO₃?

A: FCC undergoes rigorous purification, sterilization, and heavy metal testing to meet edible standards.

Q: Can FCC be used in vegan products?

A: Yes, it’s mineral-based and compatible with vegan/plant-based formulations.

Q: What’s the shelf life of FCC?

A: 3 years in sealed packaging under <25°C and 60% RH.

Order Food Grade Calcium Carbonate

Trust a Certified Calcium Carbonate Supplier:

Jintai, a leading calcium carbonate supplier, specializes in FCC for global food and pharma industries. Our FCC is produced in GMP-certified facilities with:

Pharma-Grade Lines: Meet USP/EP monograph requirements.

Custom Solutions: Tailored particle sizing, compaction aids, and coated FCC.

Regulatory Support: DMF/CEP filings and export certifications.

Request free samples and formulation guidance to elevate your edible products’ safety and performance.