MAGNESIUM SILICATE, synthetic
Prepared at the 74th JECFA (2011) and published in FAO Monographs 11 (2011) superseding specifications prepared at the 61st JECFA (2003),
published in the Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications, FAO JECFA Monographs 1 (2005). An ADI ‘not specified’ was established
at the 25th JECFA (1981).
SYNONYMS INS No. 553(i)
DEFINITION Magnesium silicate (synthetic) is manufactured by the precipitation reaction between sodium silicate and a soluble magnesium salt. The aqueous suspension of the precipitate is filtered and the collected solid washed, dried, classified for particle size and packaged. The finest material is intended for use as an anticaking agent and the coarser particles are for use as a filtering aid. The moisture content of the material meant for use as an anticaking agent is kept to less than 15%. Although magnesium silicate is of variable composition, the molar ratio of MgO to SiO2 is approximately 2:5.
Chemical name Magnesium silicate
C.A.S. number 1343-88-0
Assay Not less than 15% of MgO and not less than 67% of SiO2, calculated on the ignited basis.
DESCRIPTION Very fine, white, odourless powder, free from grittiness
FUNCTIONAL USES Anticaking agent, filtering aid
