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Silicon dioxide in spices

Screenshot of the viral post we checked, claiming: Silicon dioxide in spices
The post as it circulated. Faces of private individuals are blurred.

Our rating

Misleading

How we rate

What We Found

A meme warns spices contain silicon dioxide, “the same stuff as glass and concrete.”

Silicon dioxide (silica) is the same chemical compound found in sand/glass, but food-grade use is different.

FDA allows it as an anti-caking agent up to 2% by weight of the food.

European/US technical reviews find no safety concern at reported food uses.

Sources

  1. eCFR 21 CFR 172.480 (opens in new tab)
  2. PMC silicon dioxide review (opens in new tab)
  3. USDA AMS silicon dioxide technical report (opens in new tab)

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