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E554 Sodium Aluminium Silicate – Food Additive

E554 (sodium aluminium silicate) is an approved food additive used as an anti-caking agent and separating agent in powdered and granulated food products.

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Things worth knowing about "E554"

E554 (sodium aluminium silicate) is an approved food additive used as an anti-caking agent and separating agent in powdered and granulated food products.

What is E554?

E554 is the European designation for sodium aluminium silicate, a synthetically produced inorganic compound used in the food industry as an anti-caking agent and separating agent. It prevents powdered or granulated foods from clumping together, thereby improving the flowability and processability of food products.

Chemical Properties

Sodium aluminium silicate is an inorganic compound composed of sodium, aluminium, silicon, and oxygen. It appears as a white, odourless, and tasteless powder with hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. These characteristics make it highly effective at keeping moisture away from powders and preventing the formation of lumps.

Use in Food Products

E554 is commonly found in the following food products:

Powdered spices and seasoning blends
Instant powders (e.g., coffee whiteners, soup powders)
Table salt and salt substitutes
Baking powder and leavening agents
Dry food mixes
Cocoa powder and drinking chocolate

Regulatory Status

Within the European Union, E554 is authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Its use is restricted to specific food categories, and maximum permitted levels apply (generally up to 10,000 mg/kg in the final product, depending on the category). The additive must be declared on the ingredient list either by its E number or its full chemical name.

Safety and Health Assessment

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E554 and concluded that, since sodium aluminium silicate is virtually not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, it is considered safe when used as intended. However, the aluminium content of this compound has been the subject of scientific scrutiny, as aluminium at high levels may have potential neurotoxic effects. EFSA has therefore established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for aluminium from all dietary sources.

Special Considerations

Individuals with kidney disease should use caution with aluminium-containing additives, as impaired kidney function may reduce the elimination of aluminium from the body. For healthy adults, the risk associated with normal dietary exposure is considered low.

Labelling

On food labels, this substance appears either as E554 or as sodium aluminium silicate. Consumers who wish to avoid aluminium-containing additives are advised to check the ingredient lists of food products carefully.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of sodium aluminium silicate (E 554) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2018.
European Parliament and Council: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
World Health Organization (WHO): Evaluation of certain food additives and contaminants. WHO Technical Report Series, Geneva.

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