Food & Feed

Synthetic Amorphous Silica (SAS) is allowed as a food and feed additive under the code E 551 / INS 551.

SAS can be used in all food powders. The porosity of the silica can absorb excess water or other liquids, to avoid clumping or formation of pastes. It can also work as a kind of physical spacer i.e. separate each particle from its neighbours. Any powder, from milk powder to spices, can benefit from silica to minimise clumping and settling in storage. The porosity can help absorb liquids into the silica, so you can transform a liquid into a free-flowing powder that is easier to dose, mix and store.

Many feed additives are used in minute quantities in the form of vitamins and mineral premixes. These premixes are manufactured using synthetic amorphous silica as carriers and anticaking agents. Difficult-to-handle flavours, antioxidants and vitamins (in liquid or semi-liquid form) can be converted to dry powders prior to their addition to feed materials.

 Synthetic Amorphous Silica is also used to prevent plastic film, generally used to cover and preserve food, from sticking, making it easier to roll out. 

Find out more about how SAS is used in food with our Synthetic Amorphous Silica in Food Fact Sheet.