Application Summary of Food-Grade Silica in the Food Industry

Application Summary of Food-Grade Silica in the Food Industry

As a compliant food additive conforming to China's GB 2760 standard (code 02.004), food-grade silica is primarily composed of amorphous SiO₂. Characterized by non-toxicity, odorlessness, chemical stability, large specific surface area, and strong adsorption capacity, it serves as an indispensable functional additive in the food industry.

I. Core Functions

Anti-caking (Primary Function): Through spatial hindrance and adsorption of free moisture, it prevents caking in powder/granular foods such as salt and milk powder, maintaining long-term looseness after addition.

Flow Improvement: Reduces friction between food powders, avoiding bridging, clogging, and uneven filling during production, thereby enhancing production efficiency and product stability.

Adsorption & Carrier Capacity: Adsorbs odors, excess oils, and trace harmful substances while stabilizing volatile components; can load liquid flavors, vitamins, etc., converting them into powder form for easy blending.

II. Specific Applications

Widely used in food categories including salt and salt products, dairy products, cereal baked goods, candies & chocolates, solid beverages, condiments, health food, and oil-based foods. Addition levels range from 0.05% to 2.0% depending on the food type, which must comply with the limit requirements of GB 2760 (most can be used as needed, with a maximum of 1.5g/kg for cocoa products).

III. Safety

Certified by authoritative institutions in China, the United States, and Europe, food-grade silica is non-toxic, non-irritating, not absorbed by the human body, and free of accumulation risks. It must be produced via compliant processes, meeting the purity requirements of GB 25576 (SiO₂ ≥ 96.0%), with harmful impurities such as heavy metals adhering to relevant standards.