Sodium Silicate
Also known as: E550, Sodium Silicates i‚ Sodium silicate (ii)‚ Sodium metasilicate
Sodium silicates (E 550) are approved by the EU as a food additive carrier and anticaking agent and have been evaluated by JECFA with a group ADI 'not specified' (silicon dioxide and silicates). FDA permits sodium silicate for limited food-contact uses (e.g., steam contacting food).
What it is
Sodium silicates (E 550), inorganic compounds of sodium with silicon and oxygen, used primarily as anticaking agents.
Anticaking agent and free-flow agent in dry powders.
Why it's flagged
- Inorganic additive
What regulators actually say
"Boiler water additives may be safely used in the preparation of steam that will contact food ... The amount of additive is not in excess of that required for its functional purpose."
"Sodium silicates (E 550) ... are listed as authorised food additives in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Limited food contact use (e.g., 21 CFR 173.310 for boiler water additives)
European Union — EFSA
Authorised in EU as E 550 under Regulation 1333/2008
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