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E559Anti-caking agentModerate concern

Aluminium Silicate

In plain words

The short version

Kaolin — the porcelain clay, used as an anti-caking agent and wine fining agent.

Why we flag it amber

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

Safety profile

JECFA (1985) placed aluminium silicate (kaolin) in a group 'ADI not specified' with silicon dioxide and certain silicates; in 2015 it withdrew the tentative specifications because no data were provided. For aluminium from all dietary sources, EFSA (2008) set a tolerable weekly intake of 1 mg/kg body weight per week. The crystalline aluminosilicate is largely non-absorbed in the gut; absorbable aluminium fraction is the regulatory concern. Trace heavy-metal content must meet food-grade specifications.

The detail

Sources

  1. JECFA database — Aluminium silicate / kaolin (INS 559); ADI 1985, specifications withdrawn 2015 — WHO / Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 2015. Safety: group ADI 'not specified' with silicon dioxide and certain silicates; specs withdrawn 2015
  2. Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 — aluminium-containing food additives — EUR-Lex / European Union, 2012. EU status: E 559 deleted from the Union list (authorised only until 31 January 2014)
  3. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/934 — wine-making: authorised oenological practices and compounds — EUR-Lex / European Union, 2019. Usage: kaolin authorised as a clarifying agent in EU winemaking
  4. 21 CFR 186.1256 — Clay (kaolin), indirect food substance affirmed as GRAS — eCFR / US FDA, 2026. US status: kaolin GRAS only as an indirect ingredient (food-contact paper and paperboard)

Checked against these sources on .

Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.