Potassium Aluminium Silicate
Also known as: E555
EFSA's 2013 re-evaluation could not establish a safe ADI due to concerns about aluminium intake from all dietary sources, particularly for children, even though potassium aluminium silicate itself dissolves only minimally. EU restrictions limit its use to certain food categories.
What it is
Potassium aluminium silicate; a mineral used as an anti-caking agent and as a substrate for color lakes (mica-coated pigments).
Anti-caking agent and carrier for pearlescent pigments; used in confectionery decoration.
Why it's flagged
- aluminium exposure from dietary sources
- EFSA TWI (Tolerable Weekly Intake) for aluminium frequently exceeded in children
What regulators actually say
"EFSA established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg aluminium/kg body weight per week."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not on FDA's anti-caking GRAS list; mica-based pearlescent pigments separately approved under 21 CFR 73.350 with specific limits.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized food additive E555 under Regulation (EC) 1333/2008 with use restrictions; aluminium TWI of 1 mg/kg bw/week.
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