Calcium Silicate And Silicon Dioxide

Calcium silicate and silicon dioxide are forms of silica, a compound made of silicon and oxygen. They are naturally occurring minerals. In food production, they are often manufactured through chemical processes to ensure purity and specific particle sizes.

These ingredients are primarily used as anti-caking agents. They prevent powdered or granulated foods from clumping together, ensuring a free-flowing texture. You can find them in products like seasoning mixes, powdered drink mixes, and some baked goods.

In the U.S., both calcium silicate and silicon dioxide are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as anti-caking agents. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated these substances and found them to be safe for consumption at typical levels. Current scientific evidence does not indicate adverse health effects from consuming these ingredients at the levels found in food.