Dimethyl polysiloxane
A safe, inert silicone polymer.
- Category
- Anti-foaming agents
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Also known as E900. A silicone-based anti-foaming agent that prevents oil from splattering during frying.
How it is used in food
A highly effective antifoaming agent: a few parts per million stop dangerous frothing and boil-overs in frying oils, juice processing and fermentation, improving both safety and product quality.
Commonly found in- Frying oils
- Fast food chicken nuggets
- Jam
Health and safety
Considered safe at very low concentrations. It is biologically inert and passes straight through the gut.
EFSA re-evaluated dimethyl polysiloxane (E900) in 2020 and established an ADI of 17 mg/kg body weight per day, far above real exposure. Being biologically inert, it is not absorbed and is excreted unchanged.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| 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) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E900a
Worth knowing
The same silicone polymer family appears in Silly Putty and shampoo — and trace amounts are why fast-food frying oil doesn't foam over when wet fries hit it.
Conclusion
A safe, inert silicone polymer.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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