Sodium Aluminium Silicate
Also known as: E554, Sodium silicoaluminate, Sodium aluminosilicate
EFSA's 2020 re-evaluation could not establish a clear ADI due to data gaps and noted that exposure to aluminium from E 554 alone could exceed the EFSA tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg Al/kg bw/week, particularly in children (up to 2.13 mg/kg/week at the 95th percentile). FDA permits its use as anticaking agent up to 2% (21 CFR 182.2727).
What it is
Sodium aluminium silicate (also called sodium silicoaluminate, sodium aluminosilicate) - a synthetic anticaking agent.
Anticaking agent; absorbs moisture to keep powdered foods free-flowing.
Why it's flagged
- dietary aluminium exposure from E 554 alone may exceed EFSA TWI in children
- EFSA could not finalize an ADI
What regulators actually say
"The maximum exposure to aluminium from the use of E 554 could be up to 1.58 mg/kg bw per week at the mean and up to 2.13 mg/kg bw per week at the P95 for children, which would exceed the TWI of 1 mg/kg bw per week for dietary aluminium from all sources."
"Sodium aluminosilicate. The additive may be used as an anticaking agent in food in an amount not in excess of 2 percent."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as anticaking agent at <=2% under 21 CFR 182.2727.
European Union — EFSA
Permitted (E 554); EFSA flagged TWI exceedance concern in 2020 re-evaluation.
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