Scientific Opinion from EFSA reconfirms the safety of E 551

EFSA has concluded that E 551 as a food additive is safe for all age groups across its current uses.

On 17 October 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued its opinion on the E 551 food additive. ASASP, the Association of Synthetic Amorphous Silica Producers, welcomes EFSA’s reaffirmation of the safety of E 551 following the new EFSA guidelines.

The EFSA opinion provides an updated safety assessment of E 551 for all age groups, including the safety in use in food for infants below 16 weeks of age. EFSA has also factored in all new relevant data available to them since the completion of the last re-evaluation of the food additive in 2018.

ASASP cooperated intensively with EFSA by conducting additional studies and sharing extensive data and existing studies to ensure a comprehensive assessment. We remain committed to transparency and ongoing scientific dialogue with regulators to ensure that the highest safety standards for synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) in all its applications are upheld.

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Synthetic Amorphous Silica (SAS) is commonly used as a food additive (E551) used as an anti-caking agent in various food products, helping to prevent clumping and ensuring consistent quality. As a well-established and essential additive, E551 has been the subject of extensive research and safety evaluations over the years, which have consistently demonstrated that SAS is safe and poses no risk to consumers.