E552: Calcium Silicate
Main role: preventing clumping
Also listed as: calcium silicic-acid salt
What is E552 (Calcium Silicate)?
Calcium silicate is an anticaking ingredient used to help powdered materials remain free-flowing. It is one of several mineral additives selected for moisture management and handling properties.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is preventing clumping. Mineral ingredients can adjust acidity, firm a food, or keep powders flowing. A technical mineral ingredient does not establish a nutritional dose; use the nutrition declaration to assess amounts per serving.
Food and formulation examples
- Powdered food ingredients
- Seasoning preparations
- Supplement powders
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E552, E 552, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include calcium silicic-acid salt. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Calcium silicate and silicon dioxide are different specifications. A shared silicon component does not justify treating every silicate as the same ingredient.
Is E552 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E552 as Calcium silicate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.