日本語
Food additive databaseprocessing agentChecked 2026-10-02

Kaolin カオリン

Existing food additiveNot on the EU additive list
Purpose
processing agent
On the label
“カオリン” (kaolin), “白陶土” (white clay), “不溶性鉱物性物質” (insoluble mineral substance) (not labeled when it counts as a processing aid)
Name in the List of Existing Food Additives
カオリン (No. 47)
Source and production
Purified natural hydrated aluminum silicate (definition in the specifications and standards). Also known as “白陶土” (white clay).

In Japan

  • A purified natural hydrated aluminum silicate, also known as “白陶土” (white clay). In the List of Existing Food Additives, its purpose is manufacturing agent and its category name is “不溶性鉱物性物質” (insoluble mineral substance).
  • Standards for use apply to insoluble mineral substances: they may be used only where essential for the manufacture or processing of the food, and the amount remaining in the food is limited to 0.50% or less (as a total with other insoluble mineral substances).
  • Labeling is exempt when it counts as a processing aid, for example when it is removed during manufacturing.

Japan's standards for use

  • Must not be used except where essential for the manufacture or processing of the food
  • Residue: up to 0.50% (when two or more of acid clay, kaolin, bentonite, talc, diatomaceous earth, perlite, granite porphyry, activated clay, cristobalite, and zeolite are used, the total amount; 5.0% when only talc is used in chewing gum)

This is a summary of the standards for use. See the source list for the exact conditions.

In the EU

  • It is not on the EU list of food additives (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II), so it cannot be used as a food additive in the EU.
  • In the EU additive list (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II), the authorization of E559 aluminium silicate (kaolin) was set to run until January 31, 2014.

Sources

Checked 2026-10-02. Rules and evaluations change over time. This page is a translation of our Japanese page; if they differ, the Japanese page is the reference.

This page lists facts stated in laws and in evaluations by public bodies; it is not a safety verdict. Additives used in Japan are approved by the government, which sets the foods and amounts they can be used in. The ADI is a guide to the amount that is considered safe to take every day over a lifetime.

Other substances used as processing agent

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