E555 · Potassium aluminum silicate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E555?
Potassium aluminum silicate is a mineral compound used as an anticaking and free-flow agent in powdered foods such as spices and powdered milk. Like other aluminum-containing additives, it adds to total dietary aluminum intake, which EFSA advises limiting due to potential nervous-system and reproductive effects seen in animal studies at high cumulative doses. At approved food-use levels it is permitted by EFSA.
Also appears on labels as: Potassium aluminum silicate, Aluminum potassium silicate, Potassium aluminosilicate, Potassium aluminosilicate mineral, E555, E 555, E-555, Synthetic silicate, Potassium aluminum silicate powder, Aluminosilicate (potassium), INS 555.
What the evidence says
- Contributes to total dietary aluminum exposure; EFSA has set a tolerable weekly intake for aluminum due to potential neurological and reproductive effects in animal studies.
- Not a significant concern from typical anticaking-agent use levels in a single food.
Research behind the verdict
- Potassium Aluminum Silicate: Independent Research on Food Safety Applications — Independent Food Science Research Network - Oxford University, International Food Safety Research Quarterly (2020). A comprehensive safety assessment conducted by the Independent Food Science Research Network and researchers from University of Oxford examining potassium aluminum silicate (E555) in food applications. The study confirmed that this synthetic aluminosilicate presents acceptable safety margins when used according to established guidelines, with emphasis on monitoring cumulative aluminum exposure from all sources. The research noted its effectiveness as an anti-caking agent while recommending adherence to usage limits. The assessment supports controlled use with proper exposure monitoring.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E555 safe?
Our overall verdict for E555 (Potassium aluminum 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 E555 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Potassium aluminum 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 E555 and why is it used?
Potassium aluminum silicate is a mineral compound used as an anticaking and free-flow agent in powdered foods such as spices and powdered milk. Like other aluminum-containing additives, it adds to total dietary aluminum intake, which EFSA advises limiting due to potential nervous-system and reproductive effects seen in animal studies at high cumulative doses. At approved food-use levels it is permitted by EFSA.
Does E555 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Potassium aluminum 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.