E900: Dimethyl Polysiloxane
Main role: controlling foam
Also listed as: polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS, dimethicone
What is E900 (Dimethyl Polysiloxane)?
Dimethyl polysiloxane is a specified silicone polymer used to control unwanted foam. Its role is process and recipe management rather than sweetness, preservation, or nutrition.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is controlling foam. A carrier helps incorporate another ingredient, while a processing ingredient may support a manufacturing step or coating. The final declaration and exposure depend on the application and the labeling rules in the relevant market.
Food and formulation examples
- Frying-fat preparations
- Specified beverages
- Food-processing mixtures
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 E900, E 900, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS, dimethicone. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Silicone is a broad materials category. Food-grade E900 has a defined specification and should not be equated with an unspecified household or industrial silicone product.
Is E900 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 E900 as Dimethyl polysiloxane. 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.