Sodium Metasilicate
Sodium metasilicate is highly alkaline and corrosive; ingestion can cause severe burns to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. It is not authorized for direct addition to food in the US or EU.
What it is
An inorganic compound, Na2SiO3, formed from sodium oxide and silicon dioxide; strongly alkaline.
Primarily an industrial cleaning agent and food-contact surface cleaner; limited direct food additive use as an anticaking/processing aid in some jurisdictions.
Why it's flagged
- highly alkaline/corrosive
- can cause chemical burns if ingested
- not approved for direct food addition
What regulators actually say
"Boiler water additives may be safely used in the preparation of steam that will contact food... Sodium metasilicate is listed as permitted at specified levels."
"Sodium metasilicate is corrosive; ingestion may cause severe burns of the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as an indirect food additive component for adhesives and as a boiler-water additive (21 CFR 173.310); not approved for direct addition to food.
European Union — EFSA
Not authorized as a direct food additive in the EU.
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