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Safety of Synthetic Amorphous Silica (SAS) Reaffirmed by European Food Safety Authority

Synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) once again found to have no safety concerns for use in food in all population groups, including infants

Image of powdered and granular foods

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reaffirmed its previous conclusion that silicon dioxide (E551), also known as synthetic amorphous silica (SAS), is safe as a food additive when used at reported levels and uses. The recent evaluation also studied the safety of SAS when used in infant food (specifically for infants below 16 weeks) and concluded that it does not raise any safety concerns at the current exposure levels reported.

Widely regarded for its unique functionality, SAS acts as a carrier and anti-caking agent, preventing clumping and ensuring the smooth flow of powdered and granular foods. Its high purity, inert nature, and proven performance make it indispensable in a variety of food applications. 

“We recognize that this conclusion was not made lightly and applaud the EFSA for its rigorous due diligence in gathering and evaluating the necessary data to make this assessment,” said Juergen Nolde, Director, Global Product Stewardship, Grace. “At Grace, we adhere to the highest quality, safety and regulatory standards; this decision reaffirms the safety of our SAS as a food additive.”

An EFSA opinion is generally upheld as one of the most important global standards for providing comprehensive, evidence-based scientific advice. This conclusion has wide-ranging implications for the continued safe usage of SAS worldwide. 

Grace’s Synthetic Amorphous Silica Safe for Food Applications

For over 50 years, Grace has produced synthetic amorphous silica for use in food and beverage products, edible oil refining, pharmaceutical applications, and more. Our synthetic, non-crystalline silica can be engineered for use as a beer stabilizer and clarifier, as a moisture control agent in agriculture feed, as an anti-caking and free-flow agent in powder-based food and nutraceutical products, and more. Along with other industry producers, Grace actively contributed to the data and studies on which the EFSA based its opinion.