E900 Dimethylpolysiloxane

E900Anti-caking agentsOrigin: Lab-made

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The short answer

Dimethylpolysiloxane (E900) is a food-grade silicone that stops frying oil from foaming. It sounds alarming, but it's used at a few parts per million and passes through the body unabsorbed.

72/100

Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE900

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesAnti-caking agents

Glycemic index—

Daily limit17 mg/kg

Also calledDimethylpolysiloxane, Polydimethylsiloxane

Fry at home without antifoam

Clean-label swaps

Clean grocery swap

Air fryer

Crispy fries with a spoonful of oil and no fryer additives.

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Clean substitute

Refillable oil mister

Spray your own oil instead of cooking spray with propellants.

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Pantry swap

Avocado oil for frying

A stable, high-heat oil sold without additives.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Allowed in the US as an antifoaming agent at up to 10 parts per million in most foods. EFSA re-checked it in 2020 and set a daily limit of 17 mg per kg of body weight.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

Body weight: 70 kg

1.2 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 17 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 340 mg a day.

What is it?

Dimethylpolysiloxane breaks up bubbles. A trace in deep-fryer oil keeps it from foaming over and slows it from breaking down, which is why it's listed on many fast-food fries and nuggets.

Where it comes from: A silicone made from silicon (from sand), methanol and chlorine in a factory.

Why it’s in food

Stops frying oil from foaming
Prevents foam when bottling juice
Keeps cooking spray from sputtering
Helps powders flow

Often found in

Fast-food fries and nuggetsFrying oilCooking sprayFruit juiceChewing gumJam and syrup

Also listed as: Dimethylpolysiloxane, Polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS, Dimethicone, Dimethyl silicone, Silicone oil, Methyl polysiloxane

Health & gut impact

AbsorptionBenefit

It's not absorbed from the gut and leaves the body unchanged.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2020)

Data gapsUnder study

EFSA set its limit with a wide safety margin but noted gaps in long-term and reproductive studies.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2020)

What can I use instead?

Fresh oil, changed often

Ratio: Not needed at home

Best for: Home deep-frying

Lecithin

Ratio: To label

Best for: Cooking spray

More anti-caking agents:

Calcium Phosphates (Tricalcium Phosphate) E341Calcium phosphates (E341) keep powders flowing, make baking powder rise and add calcium to plant milks. They're safe for most people, but phosphate additives add up, which matters for anyone with kidney disease.Use in moderation Silicon Dioxide E551Silicon dioxide (E551) is a purified form of silica that keeps powders and spices from clumping. It's considered safe in food and passes through the body, though EFSA wants more data on its smallest particles.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Dimethylpolysiloxane safe?

Use in moderation (72/100). Allowed in the US as an antifoaming agent at up to 10 parts per million in most foods. EFSA re-checked it in 2020 and set a daily limit of 17 mg per kg of body weight.

Is Dimethylpolysiloxane vegan?

Yes.

Is Dimethylpolysiloxane gluten-free?

Yes.

Is dimethylpolysiloxane the same as Silly Putty?

They're both silicones, but Silly Putty is a different, cross-linked material. Food-grade dimethylpolysiloxane is a purified oil used at a few parts per million.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 173.340 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E900
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2020)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 1, 2026 · INS 900a · CAS 63148-62-9