What is E900a?
Polydimethylsiloxane or Dimethylpolysiloxane (E900a) is a silicone-based food additive used for specified technical functions such as controlling foam in permitted food applications. Goodnessly rates E900a Safe, while food-category permissions and regulator conditions still apply.
A silicone-based food additive used for specified technical functions such as controlling foam in permitted food applications. Check the food category, amount and full formulation rather than judging one ingredient in isolation.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Polydimethylsiloxane or Dimethylpolysiloxane?
Polydimethylsiloxane or Dimethylpolysiloxane is a silicone-based food additive used for specified technical functions such as controlling foam in permitted food applications. Its function depends on the formulation and the conditions attached to the permitted use.
What's it used for?
- Helping control foam during specified food processing
- Supporting a consistent texture or process result where permitted
- Serving a technical function in particular formulations
- Working at levels and in food categories set by the applicable rules
Where you'll find E900a on the shelf
You may see E900a in packaged foods where its technical function is useful and the food category permits it.
Is E900a permitted? What the regulators say
Polydimethylsiloxane or Dimethylpolysiloxane is listed or permitted in the checked AU/NZ, EU and US frameworks with conditions. Permission is conditional: category, level, identity and specifications matter.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists the additive number in its food-additive materials; the permitted use, food category and conditions are set by the Food Standards Code. [FSANZ source] |
| EU European Union (EUR-Lex) | Authorised with conditions | The consolidated Union list includes the additive for specified categories and conditions. [EUR-Lex source] |
| US United States (FDA) | Permitted with conditions | FDA provides a food-use pathway under 21 CFR 173.340 for dimethylpolysiloxane, subject to the section’s conditions. [FDA source] |
Goodnessly rates E900a Safe within its rating system. The rating does not remove the need to consider the product category, amount or full formulation.
- EFSA’s re-evaluation work programme listed dimethyl polysiloxane for assessment; the current sources checked for this draft do not state a new numerical ADI for this specific additive.
- The EU and US permissions are conditional, so identity, specifications, food category and use level still matter.
- Regulatory permissions can change; confirm the primary source when a product or use is unusual.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — confirm the current primary source before relying on a regulatory detail.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People comparing additive functions across products
- People checking the frequency of this ingredient in their usual foods
- People who want to consider the whole formulation and serving pattern
Goodnessly rates E900a Safe as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Polydimethylsiloxane or Dimethylpolysiloxane
- 900a
- E900a
- Additive class (900a)
Ingredient labels may use the name, the number, or the additive class followed by the number.
Frequently asked questions
What is E900a?
E900a is Polydimethylsiloxane or Dimethylpolysiloxane, a silicone-based food additive used for specified technical functions such as controlling foam in permitted food applications.
Is E900a permitted?
E900a is listed or permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US sources checked for this draft.
What should I know about Polydimethylsiloxane or Dimethylpolysiloxane?
No new numerical ADI for this specific additive was stated in the current primary sources checked for this draft.
How does Goodnessly rate E900a?
Goodnessly rates E900a (Polydimethylsiloxane or Dimethylpolysiloxane) as Safe within its rating system.
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