Aluminium
What is Aluminium?
Aluminium is a naturally occurring metallic element found widely in the Earth's crust. In food processing, it is often used in the form of aluminium compounds, such as aluminium sulfate or sodium aluminium phosphate. These compounds are manufactured for use as food additives.
Is Aluminium vegan?
Aluminium is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Aluminium gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Aluminium a major allergen?
Aluminium is a metallic element and is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Aluminium used for?
Aluminium compounds are primarily used as leavening agents in baked goods like cakes and bread, helping them to rise and achieve a lighter texture.
Is Aluminium safe?
Aluminium is not currently listed as an authorised food additive in the UK Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Aluminium compounds are primarily used as leavening agents in baked goods like cakes and bread, helping them to rise and achieve a lighter texture. They can also act as acidity regulators, stabilisers, and anti-caking agents in various processed foods.
Health notes
Aluminium is not currently listed as an authorised food additive in the UK Register of Food Additive Authorisations. Therefore, it is not intentionally added to foods as a permitted additive. Concerns have been raised about aluminium accumulation in the body, but regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated aluminium compounds used in food. JECFA has also evaluated certain aluminium-containing substances, setting acceptable daily intakes for some.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets | No numerical limit listed |
| 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Aluminium is a metallic element and is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Aluminium
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.