Talc
What is Talc?
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral composed of magnesium silicate. It is mined from the earth and then purified and ground into a fine powder for use in various applications. The purification process removes impurities to ensure its safety for food-grade use.
Is Talc vegan?
Talc is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Talc gluten-free?
It is a mineral and does not contain gluten.
Is Talc a major allergen?
Talc is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Talc used for?
In the food industry, talc is primarily used as an anti-caking agent, preventing powders from clumping together.
Is Talc safe?
Talc is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed in the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
In the food industry, talc is primarily used as an anti-caking agent, preventing powders from clumping together. It can also be used as a glazing agent to give sweets and confectionery a shiny appearance. Its inert nature makes it suitable for use in dry food products like candies and dietary supplements.
Health notes
Talc is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed in the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is approved for use as a glazing agent and anti-caking agent under specific conditions. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated talc and established an acceptable daily intake (ADI). While generally considered safe at permitted levels, there have been historical discussions regarding the purity of some talc sources and potential contamination with asbestos, although food-grade talc is strictly regulated to be asbestos-free.
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 |
|---|---|
| 5.3 chewing gum | No numerical limit listed |
| 6.1 whole broken or flaked grain | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated processed meat | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products | No numerical limit listed |
| 10.2 processed eggs and egg products | 5400 |
Allergen info
Talc is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is a mineral and does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Talc
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