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Posted by bio_man   March 4, 2023   3677 views   Featured

One advantage of being a science major is knowing fancy scientific words for everyday things. Since my teenage years, I developed the habit of reading the ingredients list before purchasing any packaged food item. Recently while searching for a snack at the store, I stumbled upon the potato chips aisle (admittedly, salty, crunchy snacks have always been a weakness of mine). Given how expensive everything has gotten lately, the more affordable budget brands peaked my interest. After quickly glancing over the ingredients of one bag, I noticed that "silicon dioxide" was listed at the end; in fact, it was a common ingredient in that particular brand's entire line of products! Knowing that silicon dioxide is the main component of beach sand, my conscience instantly rebuked me from purchasing. Not to my surprise, when I checked the ingredients of the more premium brands (Ms. Vicky's and Sun Chips), that ingredient was not present.

It turns out that the use of silicon dioxide (also listed as silica, SO2) in packaged foods is more common than I thought. In fact, it is widely used in the food industry as an anti-caking agent, a flow agent, and a stabilizer, and is generally recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As an anti-caking agent, the addition of silicon dioxide can absorb water and prevent clumping, as it has a very high affinity for moisture. When added to food items such as powders, spices, and dried herbs, silicon dioxide helps to prevent the particles from sticking together and forming clumps. This not only improves the appearance and texture of the food, but it also helps to extend its shelf life by preventing moisture from getting in and spoiling the product.

Another common use of silicon dioxide in the food industry is as a flow agent. This means that it is added to powdered or granulated foods to help them flow more easily through processing equipment such as conveyors and filling machines. Silicon dioxide works by reducing the friction between the particles, which allows them to move more freely and smoothly. This makes the production process more efficient and can help to reduce the amount of waste generated during processing.

Silicon dioxide is also used as a stabilizer in many food products. It helps to prevent the separation of ingredients and keeps the product from breaking down over time. This is particularly important in products such as salad dressings, sauces, and mayonnaise, where the ingredients may separate or break down due to the effects of heat or acidity. By adding silicon dioxide to these products, manufacturers can help to ensure that they remain stable and consistent throughout their shelf life.

Now, just because silicon dioxide is naturally occurring and useful in preventing potato chips from clumping together after being fried, doesn't always mean it has a place in our bellies. Despite the many benefits of silicon dioxide in food production, there have been some concerns raised about its safety. Some studies have suggested that high levels of silicon dioxide in the diet may be associated with an increased risk of certain health conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and kidney stones. However, these studies are largely inconclusive and more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of silicon dioxide consumption on human health.

The FDA has set limits on the amount of silicon dioxide that can be used in food production, and it is generally considered to be safe when used within these limits. Additionally, many food manufacturers have voluntarily reduced or eliminated the use of silicon dioxide in their products in response to consumer concerns. As with all food additives, consumers should be aware of the ingredients in the foods they consume and make informed decisions about what they eat. I, for one, will continue to avoid any packaged food items that use silicon dioxide as an additive, and stick to better quality brands, even if it means spending a few more bucks every now and then.

Ingredients Food Industry SO2 Silicon Dioxide Sand FDA Food Chips
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