Food additive databaseprocessing agentChecked 2026-10-02

Perlite パーライト

Existing food additiveNot on the EU additive list

Purpose: processing agent
On the label: “パーライト” (perlite), “不溶性鉱物性物質” (insoluble mineral substances; when labeled)
Name in the List of Existing Food Additives: パーライト (No. 220)
Source and production: Mineral silicon dioxide fired at 800 to 1,200°C.

In Japan

Mineral silicon dioxide fired at high temperature, used as a processing agent. Under the standards for use, it can be used only where essential for manufacturing or processing, and the amount remaining in the food is limited to 0.50%.
The short name is “不溶性鉱物性物質” (insoluble mineral substances). When it counts as a processing aid, for example because it is used during manufacturing and does not remain in the final food or remains only in a trace amount with no effect, labeling is omitted (Food Labeling Standards).

Japan's standards for use

Must not be used except where essential for the manufacture or processing of the food
Residue in the food: 0.50% or less (the total amount when two or more insoluble mineral substances, such as acid clay, kaolin, bentonite, talc, diatomaceous earth, and activated clay, are used)

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.

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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