E553b: Talc
Main role: preventing sticking and clumping
Also listed as: food-grade talc, magnesium silicate talc
What is E553b (Talc)?
E553b is talc meeting the food additive specification. It is used for technical handling functions, and mineral source and purity requirements are central to understanding the ingredient.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is preventing sticking and 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
- Specified surface treatments
- Powder handling preparations
- Authorized food coatings
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 E553b, E 553b, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include food-grade talc, magnesium silicate talc. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Food-grade talc should not be equated with every cosmetic or industrial talc preparation. Check the actual grade and applicable purity requirements when assessing a product.
Is E553b 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 E553b as Talc. 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.