On October 17, 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an updated scientific opinion on the safety of silicon dioxide (E 551) as a food additive. Commonly used as an anti-caking agent, E 551 prevents powdered foods from clumping together and is widely permitted in the EU for various food products, including those intended for infants under 16 weeks. EFSA’s re-evaluation addresses gaps identified in its earlier 2018 assessment, with a particular focus on risks associated with nano-sized particles in foods for young infants.
Table of Contents
Background and Previous Findings
Silicon dioxide (E 551) is a synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) used to enhance the texture of foods by preventing clumping. Earlier, in 2018, EFSA’s Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources (ANS Panel) conducted a re-evaluation of E 551. However, it found limited data available to fully characterize E 551 or establish an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for it, especially for young infants. The ANS Panel had concluded with the need for further research on nano-sized particles of E 551 to evaluate their safety comprehensively.
Purpose of the New Evaluation
The European Commission (EC) later requested EFSA to address the data gaps identified in 2018. EFSA’s new assessment, carried out by the Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF Panel), aimed to examine the specific health risks associated with E 551 in food products for infants below 16 weeks and its potential health implications for other groups.
Recommendations for Regulatory Changes
Among other recommendations and aiming at enhancing safety, the Food Additives and Flavourings Panel (FAF) recommended updating EU specifications for E 551 by reducing permissible limits for lead, mercury, and arsenic and setting a maximum limit for aluminium, elements which may be found as impurities in E 551. These measures aim to further protect the population from potential toxic exposure associated with E 551.
Conclusion
EFSA’s comprehensive re-evaluation concludes that silicon dioxide (E 551) does not pose a health risk to any population group, including infants under 16 weeks. However, due to the presence of potentially harmful impurities, EFSA advises stricter regulations to control the concentration of toxic elements within E 551. This re-evaluation highlights EFSA’s commitment to food safety, and provides valuable insights into managing the safety of food additives containing nano-scale components.
You can find the original publication of EFSA here.
