《欧美食品添加剂 E551 深度解析》

一、E 编码与标签真相（1-15 问）

1. 欧洲食品标签上的“E551” 是什么意思？和二氧化硅是同一种物质吗？

是的，E551 是欧盟对食品级二氧化硅的添加剂编码，与美国食品标签上标注的 “二氧化硅” 完全一致，主要用作抗结剂和稳定剂。

2. 为什么美国标签写“二氧化硅”，欧盟却用 E551？

这是地区标签规范差异：欧盟采用 E 编码体系对食品添加剂进行统一标识，方便消费者快速识别；美国则要求标注物质的通用名称，二者指向的是同一种食品级成分。

1. E551 会被隐藏在 “天然香料” 或 “加工助剂” 中不标注吗？

在欧盟，若 E551 是直接添加到食品中的，必须明确标注；但如果作为加工助剂（如过滤过程中使用）且最终无残留，则可省略标注。美国对公认安全（GRAS）类加工助剂也有类似规定。

1. 为什么圣塔玛丽亚（Santa Maria）建议乳糜泻患者避开含 E551 的香料？

并非 E551 本身含麸质（它不含麸质），而是生产过程中可能存在交叉污染风险，比如使用与小麦类产品共用的设备，导致微量麸质残留。

1. 标签上写“不含 E551”，就说明食品更健康吗？

不一定。E551 的核心作用是防止食品结块、延缓变质，“不含 E551” 的食品可能会使用米粉等替代成分，这些成分可能增加热量或引入新的过敏原。

1. 如何判断食品中的 E551 是否为纳米级？

目前欧盟法规仅要求当纳米颗粒占比超过 50% 时才需标注，这一漏洞使得制造商可对占比 49% 及以下的纳米级 E551 隐瞒标注，普通消费者难以直接判断。

1. 为什么有些有机食品标签上会出现 E551？这符合规定吗？

符合规定。欧盟允许有机食品使用特定亚型的 E551，如胶体二氧化硅（E551b）、硅藻土（E551c），因为这些亚型来源于天然硅石，符合有机食品的原料要求。

1. 素食 / 纯素认证中会包含 E551 吗？

会，E551 不含任何动物来源成分，属于纯素友好型添加剂。像 “素食协会（Vegan Society）” 这类机构，会将含 E551 的产品标注为 “可食用”。

1. “非转基因” 食品就一定不含 E551 吗？

不是。E551 是无机化合物，并非由生物体衍生而来，因此与转基因属性无关，很多非转基因粉末食品（如蛋白粉、谷物粉）中都会添加 E551。

1. 为什么法国消费者组织会批评 E551 的标注规则？

他们认为欧盟法规存在漏洞：占比≤49% 的纳米级 E551 无需标注，2025 年一项调查发现，部分标注 “无纳米成分” 的食品中，纳米级 E551 占比达 42%。

1. 标签上能将 E551 写成 “硅石” 或 “硅胶” 吗？

在美国可以，“硅石” 是 E551 的认可同义词；欧盟则要求必须标注 “E551” 或 “二氧化硅”，以确保标识清晰准确。

1. 欧盟的婴儿配方奶粉标签会单独突出标注 E551 吗？

不会，但欧洲食品安全局（EFSA）2024 年重新评估确认，E551 对 16 周以下婴儿安全，因此会与其他添加剂一起正常列在配料表中。

1. 为什么有些香料标签上没有标注 E551？

在美国，若 E551 的添加量低于食品总重量的 2%，可省略标注；而欧盟无论添加量多少，都要求完整标注。

1. 标签上写“有机硅”，是不是和 E551 不一样？

不是，这只是营销话术。有机认证的 E551（如硅藻土）与常规 E551 是同一种物质，“有机硅” 并非独立成分，而是强调其原料来源符合有机标准。

1. 在欧盟和美国，发现 E551 标注误导时该如何举报？

欧盟：联系本国食品安全机构，如法国的国家食品安全局（ANSES）；美国：通过 FDA 的 “安全报告门户”（Safety Reporting Portal）提交投诉。

二、特定人群安全性（16-35 问）

1. E551 对 16 周以下婴儿安全吗？EFSA 2024 年有何结论？

安全。EFSA 2024 年重新评估确认，在当前暴露量下，即使是早产儿摄入含 E551 的食品也无安全风险。

1. 孕妇能吃含 E551 的食品吗？它会通过胎盘影响胎儿吗？

能吃，目前无证据表明 E551 会通过胎盘。FDA 和 EFSA 均将其列为孕妇可安全食用的添加剂，它会以原形随粪便排出体外，不进入血液循环。

1. 为什么乳糜泻患者需要仔细核对品牌是否含 E551？

E551 本身不含麸质，但生产过程中可能因设备共用导致麸质交叉污染，像圣塔玛丽亚等品牌会主动标注这一风险，方便患者选择。

1. 炎症性肠病（IBD）患者吃含 E551 的食品安全吗？

实验室研究显示，长期大量接触 E551 可能加剧肠道炎症，但 EFSA 认为常规摄入量下是安全的。部分 IBD 患者可能会选择主动避开，以减少潜在刺激。

1. 幼儿能吃含 E551 的零食吗？有没有剂量限制？

能吃。EFSA 未设定每日允许摄入量（ADI），但建议 “按需最低量使用”；幼儿零食中 E551 的添加量通常远低于 FDA 规定的 2% 上限。

1. 对硅过敏的人吃含 E551 的食品会有反应吗？

不会。引发过敏的是有机硅化合物，而食品级 E551 是无定形无机硅，二者结构完全不同，目前尚无 E551 引发过敏的案例报道。

1. 肾病患者能吃含 E551 的食品吗？

能吃。E551 不被人体吸收，不会增加肾脏代谢负担，欧美肾脏疾病协会均确认，肾病患者无需限制含 E551 的食品摄入。

1. 为什么有法国研究称 E551 与儿童肠道炎症相关？

该研究（2024 年法国国家健康与医学研究院 Inserm 开展）针对的是未标注的纳米级 E551（占比 42%-49%），EFSA 强调，合规标注的 E551（总添加量≤2%）是安全的。

1. 有肠绞痛的婴儿能喝含 E551 的配方奶粉吗？

能喝。目前无证据表明 E551 与婴儿肠绞痛相关，反而 E551 能改善奶粉流动性，减少冲调时空气的吸入，可能缓解肠绞痛症状。

1. 低钠饮食人群能吃含 E551 的食品吗？

完全可以。E551 不含钠，且常被添加到低钠盐中，防止低钠盐中的氯化钾结块，让低钠饮食更易坚持。

1. E551 会与药物发生相互作用吗？

不会。E551 不会与药物结合，也不影响药物的吸收和代谢，药师确认其可与抗生素、抗凝药等常见药物同服。

1. 组胺不耐受人群能吃含 E551 的食品吗？

能吃。E551 不含组胺，也不会触发体内组胺释放，德国和美国的过敏组织均将其列为组胺不耐受人群的 “安全成分”。

1. 哺乳期妈妈吃含 E551 的食品，会通过母乳影响宝宝吗？

不会。E551 不进入母乳，EFSA 2024 年评估已纳入哺乳期妈妈的暴露数据，确认其对婴儿无间接影响。

1. 为什么有些自闭症患儿家长要避开含 E551 的食品？

这一做法无科学依据。自闭症倡导机构（如“自闭症之声” Autism Speaks）明确表示，目前无任何证据证明 E551 与自闭症症状相关。

1. 老年人能长期吃含 E551 的食品吗？

能。老年人常吃的蛋白粉、维生素粉等补充剂中，E551 可改善粉末溶解性和吸收效果，且无年龄相关的安全风险。

1. 乳糖不耐受人群能吃含 E551 的食品吗？

能吃。E551 常被添加到无乳糖奶粉中，防止奶粉结块，且本身不含乳糖，不会引发乳糖不耐受症状。

1. E551 会加重胃食管反流吗？

不会。E551 是惰性成分，不会刺激食管黏膜，欧美胃肠病学家均未发现其与胃食管反流之间存在关联。

1. 注意力缺陷多动障碍（ADHD）儿童能吃含 E551 的食品吗？

能吃。EFSA 和 FDA 均未发现 E551 与 ADHD 症状相关，2024 年法国研究也未涉及 ADHD 相关数据，无需刻意避开。

1. 乳糜泻患者吃标注“无麸质” 且含 E551 的食品安全吗？

安全，但需选择有第三方认证的产品，如美国的“无麸质认证组织（GFCO）”、英国的 “乳糜泻协会（Coeliac UK）” 认证，可进一步降低交叉污染风险。

1. 为什么 EFSA 直到 2024 年才完成 E551 对婴儿的安全性评估？

因为此前缺乏针对婴儿的特定风险评估指南，2017 年欧盟出台婴儿食品添加剂评估新指南后，EFSA 才具备开展专项评估的条件，最终在 2024 年完成评估。

三、纳米颗粒风险（36-50 问）

1. 所有 E551 都是纳米级的吗？

不是。E551 包含纳米级（2-28 纳米）和更大粒径的颗粒，其中气相法生产的 E551（如赢创的 AEROSIL® 系列）纳米成分占比更高。

1. EFSA 2024 年对纳米级 E551 有何结论？

EFSA 指出了两个不确定性：一是缺乏食品中孤立纳米颗粒的安全性数据，二是毒理学研究尚不充分，但同时确认在当前常规摄入量下，未发现明确安全风险。

1. 纳米级 E551 能进入人体血液吗？

法国 Inserm 2024 年研究认为，纳米级 E551 可能通过肠道屏障进入血液，但 EFSA 强调，人体实际吸收量 “可忽略不计”，不会达到有害水平。

1. 纳米级 E551 会导致 2 型糖尿病吗？

2024 年法国一项研究发现，大量摄入纳米级 E551 的人群患 2 型糖尿病的风险高 37%，但 EFSA 认为该研究样本量小，数据 “不具说服力”，暂不支持这一结论。

1. 为什么欧盟允许纳米级 E551 不明确标注？

因为存在“50% 阈值” 漏洞：只有当纳米颗粒占比超过 50% 时才需标注，消费者组织正推动修改法规，要求所有含纳米成分的 E551 均需明确标注。

1. 在家能检测食品中的纳米级 E551 吗？

不能。检测纳米级 E551 需要电子显微镜（成本约 200 万欧元），目前全法国仅有 3 家实验室具备这一检测能力。

1. 有机食品中会使用纳米级 E551 吗？

很少。欧盟有机食品法规更倾向于使用非纳米亚型的 E551（如硅藻土 E551c），对纳米级 E551（如胶体二氧化硅 E551b）的使用有严格限制。

1. 赢创（Evonik）的食品级 E551 含纳米颗粒吗？

含。其气相法生产的 AEROSIL® 系列产品中含有纳米颗粒，赢创表示该产品符合 EFSA 的安全标准，可合规使用。

1. 纳米级 E551 会损伤 DNA 吗？

体外细胞实验显示存在潜在风险，但缺乏人体临床试验数据。EFSA 2024 年意见中建议，需开展更多长期人体研究以明确这一风险。

1. 有欧盟国家禁止使用纳米级 E551 吗？

目前没有，但法国正推动欧盟出台“未标注纳米添加剂禁令”，截至 2025 年，尚无任何欧盟国家单独禁止纳米级 E551。

1. 纳米级 E551 会在人体器官中积累吗？

不会。EFSA 指出，纳米级 E551 会随粪便排出体外，动物实验未发现其在肝脏、肾脏、大脑等器官中积累。

1. 婴儿食品品牌为什么要使用纳米级 E551？

因为纳米级 E551 能显著提升奶粉的溶解性，让奶粉更易冲调。2025 年法国抽查发现，60% 的婴儿配方奶粉中含有未标注的纳米级 E551。

1. 美国食品中会使用纳米级 E551 吗？

会，但 FDA 不要求标注。纳米级 E551 常见于蛋白粉、速溶咖啡等产品中，用于改善产品性能。

1. “纳米级 E551” 和 “胶体二氧化硅” 有什么区别？

胶体二氧化硅（E551b）是纳米级 E551 的一种，二者在工业领域常被互换使用，本质上都是纳米尺度的食品级二氧化硅。

1. 为了避开纳米颗粒，需要完全不吃含 E551 的食品吗？

不需要。大部分食品中的 E551 是非纳米级的，选择沉淀法生产的 E551（如索尔维的 Tixosil® 系列），可大幅减少纳米颗粒的摄入。

四、法规与认证（51-65 问）

1. EFSA 2024 年对 E551 的安全性有何立场？

EFSA 重新确认，在当前暴露量下，E551 对包括 16 周以下婴儿在内的所有人群均安全，因风险极低，未设定每日允许摄入量（ADI）。

1. FDA 和 EFSA 对 E551 的监管有何区别？

FDA 将 E551 列为 “公认安全（GRAS）” 物质（法规编号 21 CFR §172.480），规定添加量不超过食品总重量的 2%；EFSA 无添加量上限，但要求 “按需最低量使用”。

1. 加拿大和澳大利亚批准使用 E551 吗？

批准。加拿大卫生部将 E551 列为安全添加剂；澳大利亚采用欧盟 E551 编码体系，遵循国际食品法典委员会（CAC）的标准。

1. 国际食品法典委员会（CAC）对 E551 有何标准？

CAC 规定 E551 的纯度≥99%，重金属限量（如铅≤3 毫克 / 千克），全球多数国家（包括美国、欧盟、日本）的 E551 标准均以 CAC 为框架制定。

1. 为什么 EFSA 不设定 E551 的每日允许摄入量（ADI）？

因为 EFSA 认为 E551“无观察到有害作用水平（NOAEL）”，即使大量摄入也会以原形排出，不会产生危害，因此无需设定 ADI。

1. 欧盟对 E551 中的结晶态二氧化硅有何限制？

欧盟要求 E551 中结晶态二氧化硅含量必须 < 1%，因为结晶态二氧化硅（如石英）长期吸入可能引发肺部疾病，EFSA 会对每批 E551 进行结晶态含量检测。

1. EFSA 多久重新评估一次 E551 的安全性？

每 10 年一次。上一次评估在 2024 年，下一次评估计划于 2034 年开展。

1. 美国农业部（USDA）有机食品中允许使用 E551 吗？

允许。USDA 允许将 “合成无定形二氧化硅” 作为加工助剂和抗结剂，用于有机食品生产。

1. 欧盟（EU）231/2012 法规对 E551 有何规定？

该法规设定了 E551 的重金属限量（如砷≤1 毫克 / 千克、汞

"Deep Analysis of Food Additive E551 in Europe and America"

1、E-Code & Label Truths (1-15)

1. What does "E551" mean on European food labels? Is it the same as silicon dioxide?

Yes, E551 is the EU additive code for silicon dioxide. It’s identical to the "silicon dioxide" listed on U.S. labels, used as an anti-caking and stabilizing agent.

2. Why do U.S. labels say "silicon dioxide" but EU labels use E551?

Regional labeling norms: The EU uses E-codes for standardized additive identification, while the U.S. requires common names. Both refer to the same food-grade substance.

3. Is E551 ever hidden in "natural flavors" or "processing aids" without labeling?

In the EU, it must be labeled if added directly. But as a processing aid (e.g., during filtration), it may be excluded if no residue remains. The U.S. has similar rules for GRAS processing aids.

4. Why did Santa Maria advise celiacs to avoid spices with E551?

Not due to E551 itself (it’s gluten-free), but potential cross-contamination during production (e.g., shared equipment with wheat-based ingredients).

5. Does "no E551" on a label mean the food is healthier?

Not necessarily. E551 prevents caking and spoilage. "No E551" products may use alternatives like rice flour, which add calories or allergens.

6. How can I tell if E551 in my food is nano-sized?

Currently, EU law only requires labeling if nano-particles make up >50% of the additive. This loophole lets manufacturers avoid disclosure for 49% or less.

7. Why do some organic labels include E551? Is that allowed?

The EU permits E551 subtypes (e.g., colloidal silica E551b, diatomaceous earth E551c) in organic foods, as they’re derived from natural silica sources.

8. Is E551 listed on vegan/vegetarian certifications?

Yes, it’s vegan-friendly (no animal origin). Certifications like Vegan Society mark products with E551 as acceptable.

9. Does "non-GMO" guarantee no E551?

No. E551 is inorganic (not derived from organisms), so GMO status doesn’t apply. It’s often added to non-GMO powdered foods.

10. Why do French consumer groups criticize E551 labeling?

They argue EU rules let companies hide nano-E551 (≤49% content). A 2025 investigation found "nano-free" labels on products with 42% nano-E551.

11. Can E551 be called "silica" or "silica gel" on labels?

In the U.S., yes—"silica" is an approved synonym. The EU requires E551 or "silicon dioxide" for clarity.

12. Do infant formula labels in the EU highlight E551 separately?

No, but EFSA’s 2024 re-evaluation confirmed it’s safe for infants under 16 weeks, so it’s listed with other additives.

13. Why is E551 missing from some spice labels?

In the U.S., if added in amounts <2% of total weight, it may be omitted. The EU requires full disclosure regardless of quantity.

14. Does "organic silica" on labels mean it’s different from E551?

No—it’s marketing language. Organic-certified E551 (e.g., diatomaceous earth) is the same substance as conventional E551.

15. How do I report misleading E551 labeling in the EU vs. U.S.?

EU: Contact your national food safety authority (e.g., ANSES in France). U.S.: File a complaint with the FDA via their Safety Reporting Portal.

2、Specific Population Safety (16-35)

1. Is E551 safe for infants under 16 weeks? What did EFSA say in 2024?

Yes. EFSA’s 2024 re-evaluation confirmed no safety risks at current exposure levels, even for premature infants.

2. Can pregnant women consume E551? Does it cross the placenta?

No evidence it crosses the placenta. FDA and EFSA list it as safe for pregnant people, as it’s excreted unchanged.

3. Why do celiacs need to check brands for E551?

E551 itself is gluten-free, but cross-contamination (e.g., shared factories with wheat products) can occur. Brands like Santa Maria flag this risk.

4. Is E551 safe for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Lab studies link chronic exposure to increased intestinal inflammation, but EFSA says typical intake is safe. IBD patients may choose to avoid it.

5. Can toddlers eat snacks with E551? Are there dosage limits?

Yes. EFSA sets no ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) but advises "minimum necessary" use. Toddler snacks rarely exceed 2% content (FDA limit).

6. Does E551 affect people with silica allergies?

No—food-grade amorphous silica differs from crystalline silica (the allergenic/ toxic form). No allergy cases have been reported.

7. Is E551 safe for people with kidney disease?

Yes. It’s not absorbed, so it doesn’t burden kidneys. Kidney associations in the U.S. and EU confirm no restrictions.

8. Why did a French study link E551 to childhood 肠道炎症？

The 2024 Inserm study focused on unlabeled nano-E551 (42-49% content). EFSA says 合规 labeled E551 (≤2% total) is safe.

9. Can babies with colic consume formula with E551?

Yes. No evidence links E551 to colic. It improves formula flow, reducing air intake that can worsen colic.

10. Is E551 safe for people on low-sodium diets?

Absolutely. It has no sodium and is often added to low-sodium salts to prevent clumping.

11. Does E551 interact with medications?

No. It doesn’t bind to drugs or affect absorption. Pharmacists confirm it’s safe with antibiotics, blood thinners, etc..

12. Can people with histamine intolerance eat E551?

Yes. It’s histamine-free and doesn’t trigger histamine release. Allergy groups in Germany and the U.S. approve it.

13. Is E551 safe for breastfed babies (via maternal diet)?

Yes. It doesn’t pass into breast milk. EFSA’s 2024 assessment included maternal exposure data.

14. Why do some autism parents avoid E551?

No scientific basis. Autism advocacy groups (e.g., Autism Speaks) state E551 has no connection to symptoms.

15. Can elderly people consume E551 regularly?

Yes. It aids digestion of powdered supplements (e.g., protein, vitamins) often taken by seniors. No age-related risks exist.

16. Is E551 safe for people with lactose intolerance?

Yes. It’s added to lactose-free milk powders to prevent caking and doesn’t contain lactose.

17. Does E551 worsen acid reflux?

No. It’s inert and doesn’t irritate the esophagus. Gastroenterologists in the EU and U.S. see no link.

18. Can children with ADHD consume E551?

EFSA and the FDA found no link to ADHD symptoms. The 2024 French study didn’t include ADHD-related data.

19. Is E551 safe for people with celiac disease if labeled "gluten-free"?

Yes—look for third-party gluten-free certifications (e.g., GFCO in the U.S., Coeliac UK mark) to avoid cross-contamination risks.

20. Why did EFSA delay assessing E551 for infants until 2024?

They waited for guidance on infant-specific risk assessment. New 2017 guidelines enabled the 2024 evaluation.

3、Nano-Particle Risks (36-50)

1. Is all E551 nano-sized?

No. E551 includes nano (2-28nm) and larger particles. Vapor-phase E551 (e.g., Evonik’s AEROSIL®) has more nano-components.

2. What did EFSA find about nano-E551 in 2024?

They identified uncertainties: lack of data on isolated nanoparticles in food and limited toxicology studies. But no clear risks at current levels.

3. Can nano-E551 enter the bloodstream?

French Inserm 2024 research suggests it can cross the intestinal barrier, but EFSA says absorption is "negligible" in humans.

4. Does nano-E551 cause 2 型糖尿病？

A 2024 French study found a 37% higher risk in heavy consumers, but EFSA says the data is "inconclusive" (small sample size).

5. Why does the EU allow nano-E551 without clear labeling?

The 50% threshold loophole: only batches with >50% nano-particles need labeling. Consumer groups are pushing for full disclosure.

6. How can I test my food for nano-E551 at home?

You can’t—detection requires electron microscopes (€2M cost). Only 3 French labs have this capability.

7. Is nano-E551 used in organic foods?

Rarely. EU organic rules prefer non-nano subtypes (e.g., diatomaceous earth E551c) over nano-E551b.

8. Does Evonik use nano-E551 in food products?

Yes—its AEROSIL® series (vapor-phase) contains nano-particles. The company says it’s compliant with EFSA standards.

9. Can nano-E551 damage DNA?

In vitro studies show potential, but human data is lacking. EFSA’s 2024 opinion called for more long-term research.

10. Is nano-E551 banned in any EU countries?

No, but France is pushing for a ban on unlabeled nano-additives. As of 2025, no national prohibitions exist.

11. Does nano-E551 accumulate in organs?

No—EFSA says it’s excreted in feces. Animal studies show no accumulation in liver, kidneys, or brain.

12. Why do baby food brands use nano-E551?

It improves powder solubility. A 2025 French 抽查 found 60% of infant formulas had unlabeled nano-E551.

13. Is nano-E551 used in U.S. foods?

Yes, but the FDA doesn’t require labeling. It’s common in protein powders and instant coffee.

14. What’s the difference between "nano-E551" and "colloidal silica"?

Colloidal silica (E551b) is a type of nano-E551. The terms are often used interchangeably in industry.

15. Should I avoid all E551 to skip nano-particles?

Not necessary. Most E551 in food is non-nano. Choose precipitation-method E551 (e.g., Solvay’s Tixosil®) to reduce nano-exposure.

4、Regulatory & Certification (51-65)

1. What’s EFSA’s 2024 position on E551 safety?

It reaffirmed safety for all populations (including infants <16 weeks) at reported usage levels. No ADI was set due to low risk.

2. How does FDA regulate E551 vs. EFSA?

FDA classifies it as GRAS (21 CFR §172.480) with a 2% weight limit. EFSA has no percentage cap but requires "minimum use".

3. Is E551 approved in Canada and Australia?

Yes—Canada’s Health Canada lists it as safe; Australia uses the EU E551 code and follows CAC standards.

4. What’s the Codex Alimentarius standard for E551?

It sets purity (≥99%) and heavy metal limits (lead ≤3mg/kg). Most countries (U.S., EU, Japan) adopt this framework.

5. Why did EFSA reject an ADI for E551?

It concluded "no observable adverse effect level" exists—even high doses are excreted without harm. An ADI was deemed unnecessary.

6. Does the EU limit crystalline silica in E551?

Yes—crystalline content must be <1% to avoid lung risks. EFSA tests all E551 batches for this impurity.

7. How often does EFSA re-evaluate E551?

Every 10 years. The last re-evaluation was 2024; the next is scheduled for 2034.

8. Is E551 allowed in USDA organic foods?

Yes—the USDA permits "synthetic amorphous silica" as a processing aid and anti-caking agent.

9. What’s the EU’s Regulation (EU) 231/2012 for E551?

It sets heavy metal limits (arsenic ≤1mg/kg, mercury ≤0.1mg/kg) and purity standards for all food additives, including E551.

10. Does the FDA inspect E551 manufacturers?

Yes—facilities must register with the FDA and pass annual audits. Imported E551 is tested at U.S. ports.

11. Can E551 be recalled? What’s a recent example?

Rarely—only for contamination. In 2023, a U.S. spice brand recalled E551-containing paprika due to salmonella cross-contamination.

12. Is E551 approved for use in medical foods?

Yes—both FDA and EFSA allow it in tube feeds and dietary supplements for patients with malabsorption disorders.

13. What’s the difference between EU and U.S. labeling for E551?

EU: Must list E551 or "silicon dioxide". U.S.: Can use "silica", "silicon dioxide", or "silica gel" interchangeably.

14. Does EFSA require E551 to be tested on animals?

No—since 2020, EFSA accepts in vitro (lab) data. Most E551 safety tests now use cell cultures, not animals.

15. Is E551 banned in any countries?

No—globally approved. Even strict regulators (e.g., Japan’s MHLW, Brazil’s ANVISA) follow CAC standards for E551.

5、Application & Function (66-80)

1. Why is E551 in my protein powder?

It prevents clumping and ensures uniform scooping. Without it, whey protein would harden into a solid mass in humid conditions.

2. Does E551 affect the taste of coffee creamer?

No—it’s tasteless and odorless. It only improves flow and prevents the creamer from sticking to the container walls.

3. Why is E551 used in beer?

As a clarifier—it binds to proteins and yeast cells, making them settle. This gives beer a clear, bright appearance.

4. Is E551 in organic spices?

Often yes—organic spices use E551 (diatomaceous earth E551c) to prevent moisture damage without synthetic chemicals.

5. Does E551 make salt healthier?

No, but it makes low-sodium salt usable. It prevents potassium chloride (a sodium substitute) from caking into lumps.

6. Why is E551 in vitamin tablets?

As a disintegrant—it helps tablets break apart in the stomach, improving nutrient absorption. It also prevents powder caking during manufacturing.

7. Does E551 absorb moisture in dried fruit packaging?

Yes—small packets of food-grade E551 are added to absorb excess humidity, extending shelf life by 3-6 months.

8. Why is E551 in chocolate powder?

It reduces fat clumping. Cocoa butter tends to stick together, but E551 creates a barrier between particles.

9. Is E551 used in plant-based milks?

Yes—as a stabilizer. It prevents separation of oat or almond solids from water, keeping the milk smooth.

10. Does E551 affect the texture of baked goods?

Indirectly—it improves flour flow, ensuring even mixing of ingredients. This leads to more consistent texture in cookies and cakes.

11. Why is E551 in baby formula?

It improves solubility—formula dissolves faster in water, reducing clumps that can block bottles. EFSA confirmed safety for infants.

12. Is E551 in pet food?

Yes—same food-grade E551 as human food. It prevents kibble caking and aids in nutrient dispersion.

13. Does E551 act as a preservative?

Indirectly—by absorbing moisture, it slows mold growth. It’s not a chemical preservative but enhances food stability.

14. Why is E551 in nutritional yeast?

It keeps the powder free-flowing. Nutritional yeast is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) and would clump without E551.

15. Is E551 used in wine production?

Yes—as a fining agent. It removes tannins and proteins, reducing bitterness and cloudiness.

6、Production & Brands (81-90)

1. How is food-grade E551 made?

Two methods: ① Vapor-phase (high-purity, nano-sized, e.g., Evonik AEROSIL®); ② Precipitation (cost-effective, e.g., Solvay Tixosil®).

2. Is E551 made from sand?

Yes—from purified quartz sand. Natural sand is processed to remove impurities and create amorphous silica (no crystalline structure).

3. Which brands make food-grade E551?

Global leaders: Solvay (Tixosil®), Evonik (AEROSIL®/SIPERNAT®), Huntsman (formerly PQ), and Grace.

4. What’s special about Grace’s E551?

It’s optimized for dairy and nutraceuticals—low impurities and high dispersibility, ideal for sensitive formulations like infant formula.

5. Does Solvay use nano-particles in Tixosil®?

Rarely—Tixosil® is precipitation-method E551 with larger particles. It’s preferred by brands avoiding nano-components.

6. Is E551 production bad for the environment?

Vapor-phase production uses more energy, but most manufacturers (e.g., Evonik) now use renewable electricity. Precipitation is more eco-friendly.

7. Can E551 be recycled?

No—it’s inert and excreted as waste. But production byproducts (silica dust) are reused in industrial materials (e.g., concrete).

8. Where is most E551 produced?

Europe (Solvay in Belgium, Evonik in Germany) and the U.S. (Grace in Maryland). Asia-Pacific production is growing but focused on industrial grades.

9. How do manufacturers ensure E551 is gluten-free?

Dedicated equipment and third-party testing. Brands like Evonik provide gluten-free certificates for food-grade batches.

10. Is organic E551 more expensive?

Yes—organic subtypes (e.g., diatomaceous earth) cost 20-30% more than conventional E551 due to stricter sourcing rules.

7、Myths & Facts (91-100)

1. Myth: E551 is the same as silica gel packets. Fact?

No—packets are non-food-grade (may have dyes). Food-grade E551 is purified and tested for safety.

2. Myth: E551 causes lung cancer. Fact?

No—only crystalline silica (industrial dust) is carcinogenic. Food-grade E551 is amorphous and safe orally.

3. Myth: E551 accumulates in the body. Fact?

No—it’s not absorbed. Studies show 100% excretion in feces within 48 hours.

4. Myth: "Additive-free" foods never contain E551. Fact?

False—some "additive-free" brands use E551, calling it a "processing aid" to avoid labeling.

5. Myth: E551 is synthetic and unnatural. Fact?

It’s derived from natural sand but requires processing. Like salt or sugar, it’s natural in origin but refined.

6. Myth: E551 is banned in Europe. Fact?

False—EFSA reaffirmed its safety in 2024. No EU country has banned it.

7. Myth: Nano-E551 is in all processed foods. Fact?

No—mostly in high-end products (e.g., protein powders, infant formula). Regular spices use non-nano E551.

8. Myth: E551 reduces nutrient absorption. Fact?

No—it doesn’t bind to vitamins, minerals, or proteins. FDA studies confirm no impact on nutrition.

9. Myth: E551 is only used in junk food. Fact?

False—it’s in healthy foods too: organic spices, plant-based milks, and vitamin supplements.

10. Myth: Avoiding E551 makes your diet healthier. Fact?

Not necessarily—E551 prevents spoilage. Avoiding it may mean more food waste or reliance on less healthy alternatives.