Anti-caking Agent · CAS 7631-86-9 · EU E551
Silicon Dioxide
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silicon Dioxide is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 5 out of 5 (Generally Safe), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #50 of 417.
- #50 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Silicon Dioxide is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #50 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (88th percentile).
- 5/5
- Generally Safe
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #50 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Silicon Dioxide: 1,023 tracked U.S. products (common band, #50 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 1,023 · #50 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E551 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 7631-86-9 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Anti-caking Agent | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 5 / 5 (Generally Safe) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Silicon Dioxide?
Prevents powders from clumping.
Health Concerns
- Safe at food-grade levels.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (1,023 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 1,023
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silicon Dioxide safe to consume?
Silicon Dioxide scores 5/5 (Generally Safe). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (1,023 tracked products, #50 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Silicon Dioxide used for in food?
Silicon Dioxide shows up as Spices, salt, coffee creamer in the Anti-caking Agent class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (1,023 products).
Where does Silicon Dioxide sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #50 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Silicon Dioxide?
The FDA classifies Silicon Dioxide as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E551). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Silicon Dioxide?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Silicon Dioxide: Safe at food-grade levels.. These findings inform its safety score of 5/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.