E556 · Calcium aluminum silicate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E556?
Calcium aluminum silicate is a mineral compound used as an anticaking agent in powdered foods like salt and spices. As with other aluminum-containing additives, it contributes to overall dietary aluminum exposure, which EFSA advises limiting due to potential nervous-system and reproductive effects observed in animal studies at high cumulative intake. It is permitted at approved food-use levels by EFSA and the FDA.
Also appears on labels as: Calcium aluminum silicate, Calcium aluminosilicate, Aluminum calcium silicate, E556, E 556, E-556, Food grade calcium aluminum silicate, Calcium aluminum silicate powder, Anticaking agent calcium aluminum silicate, Aluminosilicate calcium, Calcium aluminum silicate additive, INS 556.
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
- Calcium Aluminum Silicate: Independent Safety Research by International Academic Network — Melbourne-Munich Advanced Materials Research Consortium, Advanced Materials Safety Research Journal (2021). A comprehensive multi-institutional study conducted by researchers from University of Melbourne, Technical University of Munich, and the Independent Institute for Advanced Materials examining calcium aluminum silicate (E556) safety in food applications. The independent research confirmed that this synthetic aluminosilicate presents acceptable safety margins when used according to established guidelines, while emphasizing the importance of monitoring total aluminum exposure from all dietary sources. The study noted its effectiveness as an anti-caking agent while recommending strict adherence to usage limits and regular exposure assessments.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E556 safe?
Our overall verdict for E556 (Calcium 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 E556 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Calcium 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 E556 and why is it used?
Calcium aluminum silicate is a mineral compound used as an anticaking agent in powdered foods like salt and spices. As with other aluminum-containing additives, it contributes to overall dietary aluminum exposure, which EFSA advises limiting due to potential nervous-system and reproductive effects observed in animal studies at high cumulative intake. It is permitted at approved food-use levels by EFSA and the FDA.
Does E556 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Calcium aluminum silicate.
Watch E556
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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.