Talc
The short version
Magnesium silicate mineral — used as an anti-caking agent, but historic asbestos contamination is a known concern.
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
JECFA allocated an ADI 'not specified' for talc meeting its specifications (1986). In its 2018 re-evaluation, EFSA concluded that the safety of talc (E 553b) as a food additive cannot be assessed because reliable data on subchronic and chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity were lacking, and it was unable to derive an ADI. Inhalation of unpurified talc is a documented respiratory hazard; the EU specification requires food-grade talc (E 553b) to be free of asbestos. IARC Monographs Volume 136 (2025) classifies talc as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) and notes that asbestos has been shown to contaminate some talc products. Several lawsuits have resulted from cosmetic-talc contamination.
Sources
- EFSA — Re-evaluation of calcium silicate (E 552), magnesium silicate (E 553a(i)), magnesium trisilicate (E 553a(ii)) and talc (E 553b) as food additives (2018) — EFSA (EFSA Journal 2018;16(8):5375, PMC copy), 2018. EFSA could not assess the safety of talc (E 553b); group ADI obsolete
- WHO JECFA database — Talc (INS 553iii) — WHO / JECFA, 1986. JECFA ADI 'not specified'
- IARC Monographs Volume 136 — Talc and Acrylonitrile (2025) — International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO), 2025. IARC classification of talc as Group 2A; asbestos contamination of some talc products
- EUR-Lex — Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 (additive specifications), consolidated text 18.08.2026 — EUR-Lex (European Union), 2026. EU specification requires E 553b to be free of asbestos
Checked against these sources on .
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