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Is Silicon Dioxide banned?

Silicon Dioxide is permitted by the US FDA. Several countries restrict, warning-label, or have reviewed it for safety concerns. The US has more lenient additive rules than the EU, UK, Canada, and Japan, which is why this ingredient remains widely used here.

Why Silicon Dioxide is flagged

Food-grade amorphous silicon dioxide is generally recognized as safe. EFSA re-evaluated it in 2018 and concluded there was no safety concern at typical dietary exposure levels; however, the panel noted uncertainty about nanoparticle forms. The food form should not be confused with crystalline silica (quartz) dust, which is a recognized carcinogen when inhaled occupationally. Ingested amorphous silica passes through the body largely unabsorbed.

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