Calcium Disodium EDTA
The short version
A powerful metal-chelating agent — added to inhibit oxidation and benzene formation in soft drinks.
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
ADI of 2.5 mg/kg body weight. Generally considered safe at food levels. Very poorly absorbed from the gut: in one study in healthy men, about 5% of an oral dose was absorbed. The same calcium disodium salt is used in medicine to treat metal poisoning, and JECFA cited that clinical experience as support for its safety in people.
Sources
- JECFA database — Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (INS 385), evaluation 1973 (17th meeting) — WHO / Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 1973. Safety: ADI 0–2.5 mg/kg bw
- JECFA monograph — Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, disodium and calcium disodium salts (WHO Food Additives Series 5, 1974) — WHO / IPCS INCHEM, 1974. Safety: poorly absorbed (not zero); same salt used clinically for metal poisoning
- 21 CFR 172.120 — Calcium disodium EDTA, CFR 2025 edition — U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo) / FDA, 2025. US: permitted in listed foods at set maximum levels, incl. canned carbonated soft drinks 33 ppm
- European Commission Food Additives Database — E 385 Calcium disodium EDTA — European Commission, DG SANTE, 2026. EU: permitted only in a few categories (emulsified sauces, canned pulses/mushrooms, canned fish, low-fat spreads, etc.)
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.