# Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate, Hydrated (E556)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**E-number:** E556
**CAS number:** 1344-01-0
**Category:** other
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate, Hydrated (CAS 1344-01-0) is an inorganic compound used in food applications, though its specific primary function remains unclear. It belongs to the aluminosilicate family of additives and has not been formally designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate, Hydrated?

Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate, Hydrated is an inorganic compound composed of sodium, calcium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, with incorporated water molecules. This substance falls within the broader category of aluminosilicate additives, which are crystalline compounds derived from naturally occurring minerals. The hydrated form indicates that water molecules are structurally bound within the compound's crystalline matrix.

## Common Uses

While this additive exists in food-related applications, its specific function in food products remains poorly documented in publicly available scientific literature. Aluminosilicate compounds in general have historically been explored for various potential applications in food processing, including as flow agents, anti-caking agents, and in food packaging materials. However, the particular role of this sodium calcium variant has not been clearly established or widely published in peer-reviewed food science databases.

## Safety Assessment

Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate, Hydrated has not generated any reported adverse events according to FDA records, and no food recalls have been linked to this substance. The absence of adverse event reports suggests either minimal use in food products or an acceptable safety profile under current usage conditions. However, the lack of formal GRAS status indicates that this additive has not undergone the rigorous safety evaluation process required for certain food additives in the United States.

Aluminum-containing food additives have been subject to ongoing scientific scrutiny. Regulatory bodies, including the FDA and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), maintain acceptable daily intake (ADI) values for aluminum from all dietary sources combined, as aluminum accumulation in the body has been a historical concern. The hydrated aluminosilicate form is believed to have lower bioavailability than other aluminum compounds, though specific absorption data for this particular substance is limited.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate, Hydrated does not hold FDA GRAS certification, which means it cannot be used as an intentional food additive without specific regulatory approval or inclusion on the FDA's approved additives list. The regulatory status suggests this substance either has not been formally petitioned for approval, or such a petition was not successful.

Regulatory approaches to aluminosilicates vary internationally. The EFSA has established regulations for certain silicon dioxide and aluminosilicate compounds in food, though specific approval status for this hydrated sodium calcium variant would require consultation with individual regulatory agencies by country or region.

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed research specifically addresses Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate, Hydrated. Most scientific literature on aluminosilicate food additives focuses on chemically similar compounds or general toxicological profiles of the aluminosilicate class. General toxicology studies on aluminosilicates have examined oral bioavailability, gastrointestinal absorption, and systemic distribution, with most data suggesting that these compounds are poorly absorbed in their crystalline forms.

The lack of specific adverse event reports and recalls in FDA databases aligns with the general safety profile established for aluminosilicate compounds at typical food use levels, though direct human consumption data for this particular substance is minimal. Further research and regulatory clarification would be needed to establish definitive safety parameters and approved use levels.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate, Hydrated (E556) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/sodium-calcium-aluminosilicate-hydrated. Accessed 2026-05-20.