Sodium Aluminium Silicate E554
carrier — Primarily synthetic.
Sodium aluminium silicate (Na2Al2Si2O8 and related forms)
CAS: 1344-00-9
Factual Regulatory Reference
This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
What Is Sodium Aluminium Silicate?
Sodium aluminium silicate (sodium aluminosilicate) is a synthetic aluminosilicate used as an anti-caking agent in salt, baking powder, and spice blends. It belongs to the aluminium-containing additives subject to EFSA's dietary aluminum exposure assessment. EFSA established a TWI of 1 mg/kg body weight for aluminium (all sources combined) in 2008 and revised its evaluation in 2011. The EU regulates aluminium additives collectively to ensure total dietary aluminium exposure, including from natural food sources, remains within the TWI.
? Did You Know?
Sodium Aluminium Silicate occurs naturally in Zeolite minerals and Albite and other feldspars. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.
Beyond food, Sodium Aluminium Silicate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
In the EU, Sodium Aluminium Silicate has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.
Regulatory Analysis
Sodium aluminium silicate (E554) is an anti-caking agent whose regulatory consideration is dominated by its aluminium content rather than any specific toxicity of the silicate itself. As part of the aluminium-containing food additive group evaluated by EFSA in 2018, E554 contributes to total dietary aluminium exposure — though the regulatory agencies note that aluminium in aluminosilicate form has significantly lower bioavailability than soluble aluminium salts such as aluminium sulfate (E520). EFSA's 2018 opinion maintained the TWI of 1 mg/kg body weight per week for all dietary aluminium sources combined and noted that the bioavailability factor for E554 reduces its effective contribution to aluminium exposure. EU authorization is maintained at quantum satis for anti-caking applications. The FDA treats it as GRAS under 21 CFR 182.2727. No jurisdiction has moved to ban it. The commercial pressure toward aluminium-free formulations, while more focused on E541, has also driven exploration of alternative anti-caking agents such as silicon dioxide (E551).
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Permitted as anti-caking agent. Part of aluminum-containing additives with exposure concerns.
Official EFSA LinkUnited States (FDA)
Maximum 2% by weight as anti-caking agent.
Japan (MHLW)
Restricted use with monitoring of aluminum exposure.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Natural Occurrence
While sodium aluminium silicate occurs in nature as zeolites and feldspars, food-grade material is synthetically produced for purity and consistent properties.
Manufacturing
Produced by reacting sodium silicate with aluminum sulfate or aluminum hydroxide, followed by washing, drying, and milling. The synthetic process controls particle size and purity.
Applications Beyond Food
Absorbent, bulking agent, opacifier.
Rare use as excipient.
Zeolite catalysts, water softening, detergents, molecular sieves.
Water softening, some cleaning products.