E900 – Dimethyl-polysiloxane
AntifoamDescription
Synthetic silicone fluid
Notes
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a synthetic silicone polymer made from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen atoms linked together in long, flexible chains. It's produced through chemical processes that combine silicon-containing compounds with methyl groups (simple carbon-hydrogen units) under controlled industrial conditions. Think of it as a very refined, food-safe version of the silicone used in kitchen utensils and medical devices - it has a smooth, slippery texture and is completely inert, meaning it doesn't react with other substances. In food production, PDMS works as an antifoaming agent, preventing excessive bubbling and foam formation during cooking and processing. You'll find it in cooking oils and fats used for frying (like in fast-food restaurants), chicken nuggets, french fries, and other processed foods where controlling foam is important for consistent cooking and product quality. It's also used in beverages and some candies to prevent unwanted foaming during manufacturing. This is a completely synthetic additive that's suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and all religious dietary requirements since it contains no animal-derived ingredients. PDMS is considered very safe because it passes through the digestive system unchanged - your body cannot break it down or absorb it, so it simply exits naturally. It's used in extremely small amounts (usually less than 10 parts per million) and has been extensively studied and approved by food safety authorities worldwide, including being used in some medical applications.