what is silicon dioxide in food

Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is a natural compound made of silicon and oxygen. It is widely used in the food industry as an anticaking agent to prevent clumping and binding together of various powdered ingredients in foods and supplements. Silicon dioxide is found naturally in many foods and beverages, such as bananas, eggs, fish, grains, green beans, leafy greens, milk, and water. It is also added to products like salt, spices, sugar, and cosmetics to prevent clumping. The compound is generally considered safe as a food additive, and there is no evidence to suggest that consuming silicon dioxide in normal doses poses a risk to human health. However, inhaling its fine particles could lead to lung problems, so it is important to avoid inhalation of silica dust.