E174 · Silver
- WHO
- Use caution
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Use caution
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Better avoided
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E174?
E174 is metallic silver used purely as a surface decoration on confectionery and chocolates, giving a shiny metallic finish. In the EU/UK it is authorised only for very limited decorative uses. EFSA's re-evaluations (2016 and a 2025 follow-up) could not fully confirm its safety because of insufficient data on particle size, including possible nanoscale particles, and how much silver ion is released and absorbed. Many countries outside the EU do not permit E174 in food at all.
Also appears on labels as: Silver, silver, Ag, Colloidal silver, Silver powder, Silver ions, Food grade silver, Metallic silver, Silver nitrate, Silver acetate, Silver chloride, E174.
What the evidence says
- Insufficient data on particle size distribution (including possible nanoscale fraction) in commercial silver used for food decoration.
- Uncertain absorption from silver ion release; EFSA has not been able to confirm safety with current data (2016 review; 2025 follow-up).
- No JECFA acceptable daily intake (ADI) has been established, and several countries do not permit its food use at all.
Research behind the verdict
- Silver (E174) – Safety Review — EFSA Panel on Food Additives, EFSA Journal (2016). Limited data; EFSA could not establish ADI; accumulation in tissues; use restricted.[avoid]
Frequently asked questions
Is E174 safe?
Our overall verdict for E174 (Silver) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: use caution; EFSA: use caution; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: better avoided; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E174 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Silver — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E174 and why is it used?
E174 is metallic silver used purely as a surface decoration on confectionery and chocolates, giving a shiny metallic finish. In the EU/UK it is authorised only for very limited decorative uses. EFSA's re-evaluations (2016 and a 2025 follow-up) could not fully confirm its safety because of insufficient data on particle size, including possible nanoscale particles, and how much silver ion is released and absorbed. Many countries outside the EU do not permit E174 in food at all.
Does E174 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Silver.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.