(1)

Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 lays down a Union list of food additives approved for use in food additives, food enzymes, food flavourings, nutrients and their conditions of use.

(2)

The Union list of food additives may be updated in accordance with the common procedure referrred to in Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) either on the initiative of the Commission or following an application.

(3)

An application for authorisation of the use of silicon dioxide (E 551) as an anti-caking agent added to potassium nitrate (E 252) was submitted on 7 July 2016 and was made available to the Member States pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008.

(4)

When stored, potassium nitrate (E 252) shows a strong caking tendency which hinders its use in food processing. Therefore, an anti-caking agent is needed to ensure the flow and correct dosing of this additive. The applicant has demonstrated that the authorised anti-caking agents for potassium nitrate (E 252) are not efficient or may lead to undesired changes in the pH, disturbing food processing. Meanwhile silicon dioxide (E 551) is proven to be efficient and does not react with the food nor influence the further processing of the food.

(5)

The Scientific Committee for Food established a group ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) level of ‘not specified’ for silicon dioxide (E 551) and certain silicates (i.e. sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium silicates) when used as anticaking agents (3). That implies that silicon dioxide (E 551) does not represent a hazard to health when used at the levels necessary to achieve the desired technological effect. The additional exposure of the consumer to silicon dioxide (E 551) when used as an anticaking agent in potassium nitrate (E 252) would remain limited.

(6)

Pursuant to Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008, the Commission is to seek the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) in order to update the Union list of food additives set out in Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, except where the update in question is not liable to have an effect on human health.

(7)

Since the authorisation of the use of silicon dioxide (E 551) in potassium nitrate (E 252) constitutes an update of that list which is not liable to have an effect on human health, it is not necessary to seek the opinion of the Authority.

(8)

It is therefore appropriate to authorise the use of silicon dioxide (E 551) as an anti-caking agent in potassium nitrate (E 252).

(9)

Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 should therefore be amended accordingly.

(10)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,