silicon dioxide
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 二氧化硅 |
| English name | silicon dioxide |
| INS/E number | INS 551 |
| Functional class | Anticaking agent, Antifoaming agent, Carrier |
| Year adopted | 1999 |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
silicon dioxide (INS 551) is a Anticaking agent, Antifoaming agent, Carrier food additive. Used to prevent caking of powdered or granular foods and maintain flowability.Used to suppress or eliminate undesirable foam during food processing.Used to carry, dilute or stabilise other additives or nutrients for easier dispersion and addition.
Source
Natural：Inert inorganic substances such as aluminosilicates, silica, magnesium carbonate.E.g. polydimethylsiloxane, animal/vegetable oils, fatty acid esters.E.g. maltodextrin, glycerol, vegetable oil.
Industrial：Purified or synthesised.Purified.Including modified starches.
Why is it used?
- Prevent caking
- Maintain flowability
- Ease dosing and dispersion
- Eliminate harmful foam
- Ensure smooth processing
- Improve efficiency
- Disperse additives evenly
- Ease dosing
- Improve stability
Common Foods
- Salt
- Icing sugar
- Milk powder
- Instant drink powders
- Seasonings
- Sugar refining
- Brewing
- Canning
- Soy-food processing
- Flavours
- Colours
- Vitamin premixes
Safety
Mostly inert inorganic, non-absorbable, safe within permitted use.Mostly inert, non-absorbable with very low residues, safe within permitted use.Mostly common food matrices, safe within permitted use.
Metabolism：Metabolic pathways vary by substance; generally the material is metabolised or excreted normally.
Concerns：
- Use within permitted levels
- Sensitive individuals should check the ingredient list
Usage Standard
China：依据 GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》确定使用范围与最大使用量；具体限值随食品类别而异。
International：
- China GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for Uses of Food Additives：https://www.cfsa.net.cn/
- Codex GSFA General Standard for Food Additives：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/codex-alimentarius/en/
- FAO/WHO JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives)：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/jecfa/en/
- US FDA Substances Added to Food：https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/substances-added-food-previously-food-additive-status-list
- EU EFSA Food Additives：https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-additives
In a nutshell
silicon dioxide is a Anticaking agent, Antifoaming agent, Carrier, safe for use in food production within permitted limits.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.