E554

Sodium aluminosilicate

Moderate risk synthetic

Aluminium-based anti-caking agent.

Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes

What it is

E554 is an anti-caking agent used to keep dry powders (like salt, spices, and powdered milk) flowing freely without clumping in damp environments.

How it is used in food

An anti-caking clay.

Commonly found in

Table salt and dried spices
Powdered milk and coffee creamers
Vending machine powders

Health and safety

Aluminium content counts toward EFSA’s tight weekly aluminium limit.

During its re-evaluation, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded there was not enough toxicological data to establish an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for E554. Furthermore, exposure assessments indicated that its use could potentially cause consumers to exceed the safe Tolerable Weekly Intake for aluminium.

Potential for excessive aluminium exposure

general population · evidence: suspected

Like all aluminium additives, there is a risk of neurotoxicity if total dietary exposure exceeds the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) of 1 mg/kg bw.

EFSA re-evaluation of aluminium silicates

Heavily restricted to avoid cumulative exposure.

Regulatory status

Region	Status	Notes
Australia & New Zealand FSANZ	Permitted	Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
European Union EFSA / European Commission	Permitted	Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration)	Permitted	Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) for use up to 2%.

Identification on labels

E-number: E554

Alternatives to this additive

E551: Silicon dioxide — A common anti-caking agent without the aluminium risks.

How it is made

Manufactured chemically from sodium silicate and aluminium compounds.

Chemical Synthesis — Produced industrially by precipitating sodium and aluminium silicates.

Worth knowing

EU regulators pruned this group heavily in 2014.

Conclusion

Given the lack of safety data and the potential for excessive aluminium exposure, many manufacturers are phasing out E554 in favour of safer, non-aluminium anti-caking agents.

References

EFSA re-evaluation of aluminium silicates — EFSA

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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