Bentonite
Also known as: E558
Bentonite is FDA-affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) under 21 CFR 184.1155 for use as a direct-food processing aid at levels not exceeding good manufacturing practice and resulting in no significant residue in foods. It is primarily used as a wine and juice fining agent.
What it is
Bentonite is a colloidal hydrated aluminum silicate clay (CAS 1302-78-9) used as a processing aid and filtration material in foods, especially wine clarification.
Processing aid (clarifying/fining agent), anti-caking agent and filtration medium; not retained in significant amounts in finished food.
Why it's flagged
- potential aluminum content (mineral component)
- trace heavy metal contaminants if not food-grade
What regulators actually say
"The affirmation of this ingredient as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a direct human food ingredient is based upon the following current good manufacturing practice conditions of use."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Affirmed GRAS as direct food ingredient under 21 CFR 184.1155
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as food additive E 558 (now mostly evaluated as processing aid; some uses restricted)
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