Aluminium silicate Kaolin
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Description
E559, also known as aluminium silicate or kaolin, is a food additive classified as an anticaking agent. Its main function is to prevent powdered products from clumping, maintaining their flowability.
It is a natural mineral composed mainly of hydrated aluminium silicate, extracted from kaolin deposits. Industrially, kaolin is purified through washing, sieving, and drying processes to remove impurities such as quartz or feldspar. It is then calcined at high temperatures to obtain a fine white powder. From a physicochemical standpoint, it is insoluble in water, heat-stable, and chemically inert, making it suitable for use in food.
Its history as an additive dates back centuries, but its approval in the European Union was formalized with Directive 95/2/EC, currently included in Regulation (EC) 1333/2008. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E559 several times, most recently in 2018, concluding that there are no safety concerns at the authorized use levels. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated it, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of "not specified," indicating that it is not considered a health risk at typical consumption levels. The overall safety assessment is favorable, although moderation in the consumption of processed foods is recommended.
On labeling, it must appear as "anticaking agent: aluminium silicate" or "E559."
It is important to note that the aluminium present in this additive has generated controversy, but studies indicate that its bioavailability is very low and does not pose a significant risk to the general population.
E559 is mainly used as an anticaking agent in powdered foods. According to Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, it is authorized in a wide range of products, such as spices, seasonings, dehydrated soups and broths, confectionery (except chocolate), salt substitutes, and food supplements. Maximum limits vary by category: for example, in spices and seasonings up to 30 g/kg is allowed, while in food supplements the limit is 10 g/kg.
In the Spanish market, it can be found in spice brands such as Carmencita or Ducros, in instant soup packets, and in some salt substitutes. Compared to the FDA, in the United States kaolin is considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for certain uses, but it is not specifically listed as an anticaking agent in all categories. Japan also permits its use, although with restrictions similar to European ones.
It is important to note that E559 is not authorized in infant foods or organic products.
Documented side effects of E559 are scarce and generally mild. Being an aluminium silicate, there is a theoretical concern about aluminium toxicity, but studies show that intestinal absorption of aluminium from kaolin is very low (less than 1%).
EFSA, in its 2018 re-evaluation, concluded that exposure to aluminium through additives such as E559 does not pose a health risk to the general population, including children. No significant acute or chronic adverse effects in humans have been reported. However, in people with chronic renal insufficiency, aluminium accumulation could be a problem, so caution is recommended in these cases. No interactions with medications are known. WHO also supports its safety, establishing an ADI of "not specified."
In conclusion, for most consumers, E559 is safe in the amounts present in foods. Nevertheless, as with any additive, a varied and balanced diet is recommended to minimize unnecessary exposure.
- Kaolin
- Hydrated aluminium silicate
- White clay
- China clay
- Aluminium silicate
- Kaolin
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