Silicon dioxide (E551)
- Food Fine
What is Silicon dioxide (E551)?
Silicon dioxide (E551), or silica, is a mineral used to keep powders, salt and spices flowing freely. Very little is absorbed, and normal amounts are not a concern. It's fine; a mouse study raised questions about gut immunity that haven't been seen in people.
What is Yasno’s verdict on Silicon dioxide?
Yasno’s verdict on Silicon dioxide: Fine. No meaningful concern at normal amounts.
Is Silicon dioxide allowed in the EU?
EU status of Silicon dioxide: Permitted as a food additive. Conditions and limits come from the regulation cited below. Yasno summarises them and does not replace the legal text.
| Where | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Permitted as a food additive | Regulated as a food additive by the US FDA |
What else is it called?
- Silica
- Dioxosilane
- Silicic anhydride
Sources
- EU Food Additives Register — POL-FAD-IMPORT-3233, European Commission (DG SANTE), 2013
- Re-evaluation of silicon dioxide (E 551) as a food additive, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 2024
Always check the physical label. Yasno describes evidence and regulatory status. It never says a product is free of an allergen or safe for you, and it is not medical advice.
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