Is e552 vegan?

E552 is the European additive code for calcium silicate, a chemical compound used in food manufacturing primarily as an anticaking agent. It is prepared commercially by reacting calcium compounds, such as calcium hydroxide or calcium chloride, with sodium silicate derived from quartz sand, or it is refined from naturally occurring mineral deposits like limestone and diatomaceous earth.

Manufacturers add calcium silicate to dry formulations to absorb moisture and oil, which prevents clumping and ensures that powders flow freely during processing and storage. It is commonly found in products such as table salt, baking powder, powdered drink mixes, dehydrated soups, dried spices, and pressed dietary supplement tablets.

E552 is vegan because it is entirely of mineral and synthetic origin. No animal-derived inputs, animal byproducts, or animal processing aids are used during the chemical synthesis or purification of this substance.