Magnesium Silicates
Also known as: E553, magnesium silicate
Magnesium silicates including talc (E553b) are authorized in the EU and US. EFSA re-evaluated talc in 2024 and could not exclude concerns about asbestos-form fiber contamination.
What it is
Magnesium silicates (E553a/b including talc) are inorganic compounds used as anticaking agents.
Anticaking agent, glazing, dusting.
Why it's flagged
- potential asbestiform fiber contamination
- purity-dependent safety
What regulators actually say
"Magnesium silicate may be safely used as an anticaking agent in table salt."
"EFSA evaluated talc (E 553b) and considered an ADI 'not specified' for use as a food additive provided strict purity criteria are met."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Talc permitted as anticaking agent under 21 CFR 184.1; magnesium silicate as anticaking under 21 CFR 172.410.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as E553; ADI 'not specified' contingent on purity criteria.
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