EFSA Confirms Safety of Silicon Dioxide in Food, Supporting Evonik’s Silica Products for Sustainable Use

EFSA Confirms Safety of Silicon Dioxide in Food, Supporting Evonik’s Silica Products for Sustainable Use

(IN BRIEF) The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed the safety of silicon dioxide (E 551) as a food additive, including its use in infant food, after a recent scientific review. Evonik, a major producer of silica, welcomed this decision, which reinforces consumer trust in the additive’s safety. Silica, widely used for decades as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods, ensures products like milk powder remain free-flowing during processing. Evonik produces high-purity synthetic amorphous silica (SAS), contributing to sustainable food production.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANAU, 22-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reaffirmed the safety of silicon dioxide, also known as silica, as a food additive under the identification number E 551, following a recent scientific evaluation. This decision, published on 17 October 2024, confirms that silica is safe for use in food, including for infants under 16 weeks of age, at current usage levels. This conclusion reassures consumers and supports the food industry’s continued reliance on silica as a proven and effective anti-caking agent.

Evonik, a global leader in silica production, expressed satisfaction with the EFSA’s positive assessment. Emmanuel Auer, head of Evonik’s Silica business line, highlighted that the decision bolsters consumer trust in safe food ingredients that meet regulatory standards. The company produces a high-purity version of synthetic amorphous silica (SAS), used widely in food production to ensure that powdered products like milk and vegetable powders remain free-flowing during processing and storage.

Silica has been a key component in food production for decades, providing essential benefits such as preventing clumping and enhancing the handling of powdered food products. Since its approval as a food additive in the 1960s, silica has maintained its role as an essential ingredient in sustainable food processing. EFSA regularly re-evaluates E 551 to ensure it meets evolving safety and technical standards.

Evonik, which has been producing silica for over 80 years, continues to lead in the global market with its range of silica products, including brands such as SIPERNAT®, ZEOFREE®, and AEROSIL®. These products play a crucial role across multiple industries, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality silica.

About Evonik

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €15.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.66 billion in 2023. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. About 32,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

About Smart Materials

The Smart Materials division includes businesses with innovative materials that enable resource-saving solutions and replace conventional materials. They are the smart answer to the major challenges of our time: environment, energy efficiency, urbanization, mobility and health. The Smart Materials division generated sales of €4.46 billion in 2023 with more than 8,100 employees.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

Media Contacts:

Anabel Tennassie
Head of Market Communications Silanes
Tel: +49 6181 59 12573
email: anabel.tennassie@evonik.com

Nina Peck
Head of Market Communications Smart Materials
Tel: +49 201 177-2223
email: nina.peck@evonik.com

SOURCE: Evonik

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