Silicon
Silicon as silicon dioxide is GRAS for use as an anticaking agent. EFSA re-evaluated synthetic amorphous silica (E551) in 2018 and could not establish an ADI due to data gaps but did not identify safety concerns at current uses.
What it is
Element silicon (Si) — typically refers to dietary silicon (e.g., orthosilicic acid) or silicon dioxide.
Anticaking agent (as silicon dioxide, E551), nutrient.
Why it's flagged
- nano-particle uncertainty
What regulators actually say
"Silicon dioxide... may be safely used in food as an anticaking agent... at a level not to exceed 2 percent."
"The Panel was unable to confirm the current ADI for silicon dioxide due to data limitations."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Silicon dioxide GRAS as anticaking agent (21 CFR 172.480) up to 2% of food.
European Union — EFSA
E551 authorised; 2018 re-evaluation flagged data gaps for nano-form.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app