What Is Dimethylpolysiloxane? Safety, Risks & Alternatives

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E-Number	E900
FDA Status	FDA permits dimethylpolysiloxane as a direct food additive (21 CFR 173.340) at levels not exceeding 10 ppm in cooking oi…
EFSA Status	EFSA re-evaluated dimethylpolysiloxane (E 900) in 2020. Established an ADI of 0-1.5 mg/kg body weight/day. EFSA noted th…
ADI	0-1.5 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
Severity	Moderate Risk (6/10)

What Is Dimethylpolysiloxane?

A synthetic silicon-based organic polymer (silicone) used as an anti-foaming agent in cooking oils and deep-frying operations. It prevents oil from splattering and foaming during high-temperature frying. The same compound is used in cosmetics (dimethicone), lubricants, breast implants, contact lenses, and hydraulic fluids.

Mechanism of Action

Dimethylpolysiloxane reduces the surface tension of cooking oil, preventing foam formation during frying. It is chemically inert and passes through the digestive system without being absorbed or metabolized. At frying temperatures above 200°C, it can decompose to release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Studies have shown formaldehyde formation from PDMS thermal decomposition in cooking oil.

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Why People Avoid Dimethylpolysiloxane

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA

FDA permits dimethylpolysiloxane as a direct food additive (21 CFR 173.340) at levels not exceeding 10 ppm in cooking oil and fats. Also approved as an indirect food additive in food contact surfaces. FDA classifies it as safe at approved levels.

🇪🇺 EFSA

EFSA re-evaluated dimethylpolysiloxane (E 900) in 2020. Established an ADI of 0-1.5 mg/kg body weight/day. EFSA noted that exposure from food use is well below the ADI. Raised concerns about the potential for formaldehyde release at high temperatures.

Regulatory Timeline

Products Containing Dimethylpolysiloxane (19 found in our database)

Product

Brand

Score

WILLIAMS, BROWN GRAVY MIX

C.H. Guenther & Son, Inc.

9/100

STRAWBERRY GELATIN DESSERT, STRAWBERRY

H E Butt Grocery Company

10/100

Maple Donuts

Big Y, Big Y Foods Inc.

30/100

CORN DOG

The Hillshire Brands Company

45/100

SPICY WHITE MEAT CHICKEN EGG ROLLS

Chung's Foods, Inc.

49/100

ORANGE SUGAR FREE GELATIN DESSERT, ORANGE

Nash Finch Company

49/100

RASPBERRY FLAVORED GELATIN PARFAIT, RASPBERRY

Smart & Final Iris Corporation

50/100

VEGETABLE EGG COCKTAIL SIZE ROLLS, VEGETABLE EGG

Milmar Food Group, LLC

59/100

COCKTAIL SIZE VEGETABLE EGG ROLLS

Milmar Food Group, LLC

59/100

LIME LOW CALORIE GELATIN DESSERT, LIME

H E Butt Grocery Company

74/100

Safer Alternatives

Scientific Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dimethylpolysiloxane?: A synthetic silicon-based organic polymer (silicone) used as an anti-foaming agent in cooking oils and deep-frying operations. It prevents oil from splattering and foaming during high-temperature frying. The same compound is used in cosmetics (dimethicone), lubricants, breast implants, contact lenses, and hydraulic fluids.
Is Dimethylpolysiloxane safe?: Dimethylpolysiloxane is FDA permits dimethylpolysiloxane as a direct food additive (21 CFR 173.340) at levels not exceeding . EFSA re-evaluated dimethylpolysiloxane (E 900) in 2020. Established an ADI of 0-1.5 mg/kg body weigh.
Where is Dimethylpolysiloxane banned?: Dimethylpolysiloxane is not currently banned in any major market according to our database.
What are alternatives to Dimethylpolysiloxane?: Safer alternatives to Dimethylpolysiloxane include: Frying without anti-foaming agents (use fresh oil), Air frying, Oven baking, Cold-pressed oils for lower-temperature cooking.
How can I avoid Dimethylpolysiloxane?: Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag Dimethylpolysiloxane and suggest safer alternatives.
What foods contain Dimethylpolysiloxane?: Dimethylpolysiloxane is commonly found in: McDonald's french fries, Chick-fil-A fried chicken, Fast food frying oil, Cooking oil sprays, Canned soups, Fountain drinks, Processed chicken nuggets. Our database has flagged it in 19 products.
What are the side effects of Dimethylpolysiloxane?: Concerns about Dimethylpolysiloxane include: Same compound used in breast implants, caulking, and industrial lubricants; Can decompose into formaldehyde at frying temperatures; Synthetic — not found in nature.
Is Dimethylpolysiloxane natural or artificial?: Dimethylpolysiloxane: Dimethylpolysiloxane reduces the surface tension of cooking oil, preventing foam formation during frying. It is chemically inert and passes through th.

⚕️ This page provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance. This information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

📋 Cite This Data

APA

CheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is Dimethylpolysiloxane? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/dimethylpolysiloxane

MLA

"What Is Dimethylpolysiloxane? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-04-17. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/dimethylpolysiloxane.

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<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/dimethylpolysiloxane">What Is Dimethylpolysiloxane? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>

BibTeX

@misc{checkit2026ingredientsdimethylpolysiloxane,
  title = {What Is Dimethylpolysiloxane? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI},
  author = {CheckIt AI},
  year = {2026},
  publisher = {Climaverse PBC},
  url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/dimethylpolysiloxane},
  note = {Retrieved 2026-04-17}
}

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