Sodium silicate
Not authorised in AU-NZ and EU and US. No evidence of harm at dietary intake.
- Category
- Anti-caking agents
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
An obscure or unapproved mineral salt, historically considered for use as an anti-caking agent or acidity regulator.
How it is used in food
Historically used to extend shelf life or improve texture before modern safety evaluations.
Commonly found in- None (Banned)
Health and safety
No known risks at typical dietary levels.
Evaluated by food safety authorities and determined to be unsafe for general food use.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Not approved | Not approved for general food use or historically banned due to safety concerns. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Not approved | Not approved for general food use or historically banned due to safety concerns. |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E550
Worth knowing
This substance is part of a large list of chemicals that were either evaluated and rejected, or historically used before modern safety regulations existed.
Conclusion
An obsolete and banned industrial chemical.
References
Is it in what you are buying?
ScanWise reads the barcode and tells you which additives a product actually contains, and what they do to its score.
Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-08-05.
← All additives