Aluminum
Score impact
-0.90
points/product
Description
The food additive E173, also known as aluminum, is a metallic colorant that appears as a fine silver-gray powder. It is obtained industrially by grinding pure aluminum (purity ≥99.5%) in a ball mill under an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation. The resulting powder is sieved to obtain particles of controlled size (generally between 1 and 200 µm). Its physicochemical properties include high reflectivity, low density (2.7 g/cm³), melting point of 660 °C, and corrosion resistance due to a thin surface oxide layer.
Its main function is to provide a metallic or silver sheen to foods, especially in pastry decoration, confectionery, and chocolate products.
Historically, aluminum has been used as a colorant since the early 20th century, but its approval in the EU is limited. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E173 on several occasions, most recently in 2018, establishing a Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.14 mg/kg body weight/day for aluminum from all sources (including the additive). The World Health Organization (WHO) has also set a similar TDI.
Overall safety assessment indicates that, in the amounts used (typically <0.1% of the food), E173 does not pose a significant health risk. However, its use is restricted to certain products and must be declared on the label as "colorant (aluminum)" or "E173". EFSA notes that dietary exposure to aluminum through additives is low compared to other sources such as drinking water or cookware. In the context of food safety, E173 is considered safe within established limits.
E173 is mainly used in the decoration of pastry and confectionery products, such as cakes, cookies, chocolates, candies, and coatings. It is also used on the surface of some fine bakery products and in the production of silver sugar pearls.
In the Spanish market, it is commonly found in specialized pastry shops or in imported products. According to EC Regulation 1333/2008, the use of E173 is authorized only in certain food categories, such as "confectionery decorations and coatings" and "chocolate products", with a maximum limit of 0.1% (expressed as aluminum) in the final product. In comparison, the FDA allows the use of aluminum powder as a colorant in foods, but only in limited amounts and not in all products. Japan also permits it with similar restrictions.
It is important to note that E173 is not authorized in beverages, dairy products, or infant foods.
Documented adverse effects of aluminum are mainly related to chronic exposure to high doses, not to its use as a food additive. Epidemiological studies have associated elevated aluminum exposure with neurotoxicity, possibly related to diseases such as Alzheimer's, although a direct causality has not been established.
The proposed biological mechanism includes accumulation of aluminum in brain tissue and interference with enzymatic processes. Sensitive populations include people with renal insufficiency, as aluminum is primarily eliminated via the kidneys and can accumulate in these patients. No significant interactions with medications have been documented at dietary exposure levels.
EFSA concludes that, for the general population, exposure to aluminum through additives such as E173 is low and does not pose a health risk. The WHO supports this conclusion, noting that the average intake of aluminum from all sources is below the TDI. Therefore, E173 is considered safe in the amounts used in foods.
- Aluminum
- Aluminum powder
- Metallic aluminum
- Metallized pigment
- CI 77000
- Aluminum powder
Classification:
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