Is Dimethylpolysiloxane Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Dimethylpolysiloxane is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Also called PDMS. (E900)
Other names: PDMS, Polydimethylsiloxane, E900, Simethicone
Is Dimethylpolysiloxane banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | — |
| Where it shows up | McDonald's cooking oil (french fries), Cooking oils (commercial), Some beverages, Various processed food manufacturing |
What is Dimethylpolysiloxane?
Dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS, polydimethylsiloxane) is a silicone-based polymer used as an antifoaming agent in food and beverages. It prevents the formation of foam during food manufacturing and cooking. It is the same base material used in silicone cookware, medical devices, and contact lenses.
Why is Dimethylpolysiloxane used in food?
PDMS prevents foam formation in cooking oils, particularly in fast food deep frying operations. McDonald's adds PDMS to its frying oil to prevent excessive foaming during deep frying, extending oil life and improving cooking consistency. It is also used in beverages, juice manufacturing, and various food processing applications.
Is Dimethylpolysiloxane dangerous? Documented risks
Dimethylpolysiloxane is generally considered non-toxic. It is not absorbed by the gut and passes through the digestive system unchanged. The FDA permits it at up to 10 ppm in cooking oils. EFSA's evaluation found no evidence of toxicity at permitted food use levels. There are no established cancer or reproductive toxicity concerns with PDMS at food use concentrations. The compound is the same base polymer used in many safe medical applications including contact lenses and breast implants (though the medical grade is different purity). The main environmental concern is PDMS persistence in the environment, as it is not readily biodegradable. Primary consumer concern is psychological rather than toxicological: the fact that it is used in both McDonald's frying oil and Silly Putty (which also contains PDMS) generates public attention, but the chemistries are actually different grades of the same polymer family.
Common US products containing Dimethylpolysiloxane
How to avoid Dimethylpolysiloxane: safer alternatives
Modified food-grade versions of natural oils can be selected to minimize foaming. Physical defoaming processes and vacuum technologies can reduce the need for chemical antifoaming agents.
Frequently asked questions about Dimethylpolysiloxane
Is dimethylpolysiloxane in McDonald's food?
Yes. McDonald's adds PDMS to cooking oil to prevent excessive foaming during deep frying. It is present in the cooking oil at permitted food-use concentrations, not listed as a direct ingredient of the fries.
Is PDMS safe to eat?
Regulatory agencies including the FDA and EFSA consider PDMS safe at permitted food use levels. It is not absorbed by the gut and passes through unchanged. No established toxicity, carcinogenicity, or reproductive harm at food use concentrations.
Is PDMS the same as Silly Putty?
Both Silly Putty and food-grade dimethylpolysiloxane contain polydimethylsiloxane, but they are different grades and formulations of the same polymer family. Silly Putty is a cross-linked, non-food-grade material with fillers and colorants. Food-grade PDMS (E900) is a food-safety certified liquid formulation at different molecular weights.
Why is PDMS in food?
PDMS is an antifoaming agent that prevents excessive foam formation during food manufacturing and cooking. In deep frying oil, it extends the life of the oil and improves cooking consistency.
Is PDMS a silicone?
Yes. Polydimethylsiloxane is a silicone polymer — a synthetic polymer with a silicon-oxygen backbone and methyl groups. It is the same base chemistry as silicone cookware, medical implants, and contact lenses, though different grades are used for different applications.
Does PDMS bioaccumulate?
PDMS is not significantly absorbed from the gut and does not bioaccumulate in the human body. However, environmental PDMS is not readily biodegradable and can accumulate in sediments.
How do I avoid PDMS in food?
PDMS is primarily a processing aid added to cooking oil and may not appear directly on finished food ingredient lists. Choosing restaurants that disclose cooking oil ingredients or cooking food at home with standard cooking oils avoids PDMS exposure. USDA organic standards do not permit PDMS as a processing aid in organic food production.
Is PDMS used in cosmetics?
Yes. PDMS is widely used in cosmetics as a skin-conditioning agent, providing a smooth, silky feel. Dimethicone (a related polymer) is one of the most common cosmetic ingredients. Topical use in cosmetics is considered safe by both FDA and EFSA.
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Sources
- FDA 21 CFR 173.340 - Dimethylpolysiloxane in Food — FDA
- EFSA Assessment of Dimethylpolysiloxane (E900) — EFSA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.