E551 Silicon Dioxide: Uses and Safety
E551 is silicon dioxide, an approved food additive used as an anti-caking agent in powders and spices to prevent clumping and improve flowability.
Things worth knowing about "E551"
E551 is silicon dioxide, an approved food additive used as an anti-caking agent in powders and spices to prevent clumping and improve flowability.
What is E551?
E551 refers to silicon dioxide (also known as silica or silicic acid), an inorganic compound that is approved as a food additive in the European Union and many other countries. It is primarily used as an anti-caking agent, preventing powdered and granulated food products from clumping together, which helps maintain product quality and ease of use.
Occurrence and Applications
Silicon dioxide is one of the most abundant compounds in the Earth's crust, found naturally in sand, quartz, and many minerals. For food use, it is manufactured synthetically as amorphous silicon dioxide. Common applications include:
- Spice powders and table salt
- Dried soups and instant meals
- Cocoa powder and drinking chocolate
- Coffee whitener and milk powder
- Baking powder and icing sugar
- Dietary supplements in capsules and tablets
Mechanism of Action
Amorphous silicon dioxide works due to its extremely large surface area and hygroscopic properties. The fine particles insert themselves between powder granules and absorb excess moisture. This reduces the electrostatic and capillary forces that cause clumping, resulting in a free-flowing powder that is easy to dose and process uniformly.
Regulatory Status
E551 is approved in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has classified E551 as safe when used within established limits. For most applications, the principle of quantum satis applies, meaning only as much may be used as is technologically necessary.
Health Assessment
Amorphous silicon dioxide (E551) is considered safe for oral consumption, as it is not significantly absorbed by the human body and is excreted unchanged. It is important to distinguish E551 from crystalline silicon dioxide (e.g., quartz dust): while inhaling crystalline quartz dust can cause serious lung disease (silicosis), the amorphous form used in food products has been assessed as safe under intended use conditions.
Potential Concerns
Recent scientific discussions have focused on nanoparticles of silicon dioxide, as very small particles could in principle exhibit different biological properties than larger ones. However, EFSA has so far found no health risks from consuming E551 in approved quantities. Individuals with known sensitivities to silica compounds should consult a healthcare professional if in doubt.
Labelling Requirements
Under EU regulations, E551 must be declared in the ingredient list of food products, either as E551 or as silicon dioxide. This allows consumers to easily identify and avoid this additive if they choose to do so.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of silicon dioxide (E 551) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2018.
- European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives.
- World Health Organization (WHO) / FAO: Compendium of Food Additive Specifications -- Silicon Dioxide. JECFA Monographs.
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