By Jeanne Yacoubou, MS
Alternate Names: silica dioxide, silica, silica gel, diatomaceous earth, kieselsol, colloidal silica, E551
Naturally present: as sand, quartz and other minerals; in cell walls of diatoms
Commercial Sources: synthetic (processes often involve petrochemical-based compounds), mineral
Used in: dry mixes (soup, seasoning, cake, pizza, bread, and beverage), spices, salt, flour, sugar, shredded cheese, powdered egg, wine, beer, vitamin tablets
Used as: anti-caking agent, anti-foaming agent, moisture absorbent, wine and beer fining agent
Definition: Composed of only silicon and oxygen, silicon dioxide is one of the most common anti-caking agents. It is also widely used in the construction and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) industries.
Manufacturers:
Shanxi Jinjin Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd. wrote that “There are no animal ingredients in the silicon dioxide.”
Yianlid Industrial Co., Ltd. said in an email that “…There is not any animal content in the [silicon dioxide]” and sent a certificate analysis for silicon dioxide.
Additional Information:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=172.480
Section 205.605 in: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5104011
Classification: Vegan
Entry added: March 2015
For information on other ingredients see: http://www.vrg.org/ingredients/index.php
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