SEMISIL Food-Grade Fumed Silica (E551 / Silicon Dioxide)
SEMISIL Food-Grade Fumed Silica is a high-purity hydrophilic synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide specifically manufactured and tested to meet food additive standards across major regulatory jurisdictions. Certified as E551 (EU), compliant with FDA 21 CFR 172.480 (USA), and approved under GB 2760 (China), it is used as an anti-caking and free-flow agent in powdered food products, dietary supplement capsules, and animal feed at maximum use levels defined by each standard.
Technical Specifications
| Properties and Test Methods | Unit | Typical Value | Standardization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific surface area (BET) | m²/g | 200 ± 25 | GB/T 10722 |
| pH value (in 4% dispersion) | – | 3.6 ~ 4.5 | GB/T 1717 |
| Loss on drying (2h @ 105°C) | Wt% | ≤ 1.5 | GB/T 5211.3 |
| Loss on ignition (2h @ 1000°C) | Wt% | ≤ 2.5 | GB/T 20020 |
| Sieve residue (45 μm) | % | ≤ 0.05 | GB/T 5211.14 |
| Silica content (ignited material) | Wt% | ≥ 99.8 | GB/T 20020 |
| Tamped density (dried material) | g/L | 40 ~ 60 | GB/T 5211.4 |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ppm | ≤ 10 | GB 5009.74 |
| Arsenic (as As) | ppm | ≤ 3 | GB 5009.11 |
| Lead (as Pb) | ppm | ≤ 2 | GB 5009.12 |
Regulatory Compliance: EU E551 (EC 1333/2008), FDA 21 CFR 172.480, GB 2760-2014, JECFA (FAO/WHO)
Application Suggestions
Seasoning and Spice Blends (E551 Anti-Caking)
Prevents moisture-induced caking in powdered seasonings, mixed spices, salt blends, and dry soup mixes at usage levels of 0.5–2.0%. The ultra-fine particles coat individual powder particles, breaking moisture bridges and maintaining free-flowing bulk density throughout distribution and retail shelf life.
Instant Powders (Coffee, Tea, Protein)
Maintains instant dissolution and pourability in instant coffee, tea, protein powder, and meal replacement products. Prevents clump formation during humid climate storage and ensures consistent scoop weight in consumer packaging.
Dietary Supplement Capsules and Tablets
Functions as a pharmaceutical-grade glidant (anti-adherent) in dietary supplement manufacturing, approved for use in capsule fills and compressed tablets at 0.1–1.0%. Improves powder flow on tablet presses and reduces sticking on capsule-filling equipment.
Animal Feed Flow Aid
Approved for use in complete and complementary animal feed as a free-flow agent, preventing bridging in feed storage silos and ensuring consistent metering in automated feeding systems.
Technical Support & FAQ: Food-Grade Fumed Silica
+Q1: What are the key features and applications?
SEMISIL Food-Grade Fumed Silica meets the highest food safety standards:
- Core Functions: Anti-caking, free-flow improvement, moisture barrier
- Key Features: E551/FDA 21 CFR 172.480/GB 2760 certified; heavy metal tested per batch; full CoA with food-grade compliance documentation
- Primary Applications: Seasonings, instant powders, dietary supplements, animal feed
+Q2: How does food-grade fumed silica differ from standard SEMISIL 200?
Food-grade fumed silica uses the same manufacturing process as SEMISIL 200 but includes additional quality controls:
- Heavy metal testing (Pb ≤2 ppm, As ≤3 ppm, total metals ≤10 ppm)
- Lot-traceable certificates with food additive compliance declarations
- Dedicated food-grade production lines (no cross-contamination from industrial grades)
- Regulatory filing support for import into EU, USA, and China
+Q3: What factors influence the pricing?
- Compliance testing: Additional heavy metal and impurity testing per batch
- Documentation: Food additive approval certificates, CoA, regulatory support
- Packaging: Food-grade PE-lined paper bags; no recycled materials
+Q4: What are the typical lead times and payment terms?
- Lead Time: Typically 7–14 days (Annual supply volume: 15,000 tons)
- Payment Terms: Flexible options including T/T, L/C at sight, and D/P
- Sample Support: Free samples (200g–1kg) with full food-grade CoA for product approval
Packing & Storage Information
Storage Conditions
Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area away from food contaminants. Keep containers sealed. Do not store near strong acids, bases, or oxidizing agents. Use within 2 years of manufacture. FIFO inventory management recommended for food applications.