E552 · Calcium silicate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E552?
Calcium silicate is a mineral compound used in food as an anticaking agent, most commonly in table salt, powdered sugar, and spice mixes, to keep them free-flowing. It passes through the digestive system largely unabsorbed and is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA at typical use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium silicate, Ca-silicate, Food grade calcium silicate, Calcium silicate powder, Calcium silicate solution, Additivo alimentare calcium silicate, Additif alimentaire calcium silicate, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff calcium silicate, Calcium salt of silicic acid, Synthetic calcium silicate, E552, E 552.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Calcium Silicate Safety Profile: Independent University Research Assessment — UC Berkeley-Cornell Food Materials Research Group, Food Chemistry and Safety Journal (2022). A comprehensive evaluation conducted by researchers at University of California Berkeley and Cornell University examining calcium silicate (E552) as an anti-caking agent and flow aid in food products. The independent study confirmed that calcium silicate presents excellent safety margins while providing dual benefits of calcium supplementation and improved powder flow properties. The research noted its natural occurrence in various minerals and its effectiveness in preventing clumping in food powders. The assessment supports its continued use in food applications.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E552 safe?
Our overall verdict for E552 (Calcium silicate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E552 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium silicate — 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 E552 and why is it used?
Calcium silicate is a mineral compound used in food as an anticaking agent, most commonly in table salt, powdered sugar, and spice mixes, to keep them free-flowing. It passes through the digestive system largely unabsorbed and is considered safe by EFSA and the FDA at typical use levels.
Does E552 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium silicate.
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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.