Comparing E538 - Calcium ferrocyanide vs E552 - Calcium silicate

Overview

E538 - Calcium ferrocyanide

Calcium ferrocyanide (E538) is an anti-caking agent used mainly in table salt and salt substitutes. It helps the crystals flow freely so the salt does not clump, especially in humid air. It is also known as “yellow prussiate of lime.”

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E552 - Calcium silicate

Calcium silicate (E552) is a mineral-based food additive used mainly as an anti-caking agent. It soaks up moisture and keeps powders free-flowing in products like table salt and spice blends. It is permitted in the U.S. and EU within set purity and use rules.

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Synonyms
E538
Calcium ferrocyanide
Yellow prussiate of lime
E552
Calcium silicate
Functions
anticaking agent
anticaking agentcarrier
Origins
Synthetic
Synthetic
Mineral
Products

Found in 0 products

Found in 1,368 products

Search rank & volume
#45560 / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#2352.5K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

Awareness data is not available.

×0.27
under-aware

Search volume over time

Search history data is not available.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

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Popular questions

  1. Why is sodium ferrocyanide kosher and calcium silicate is not?

    Ferrocyanides—including calcium ferrocyanide (E538)—are synthetic inorganic salts with no animal-derived inputs, so many certifiers accept them as inherently kosher, while some calcium silicate products may require certification due to potential non-kosher processing aids, carriers, or shared equipment. Policies vary by certifier and manufacturer, so the status reflects production controls rather than an inherent kashrut issue with the chemical itself.

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  1. How to remove calcium silicate from pool?

    Calcium silicate scale is very hard and relatively acid‑resistant, so it’s typically removed by mechanical means (pumice/scale pads or bead blasting) after lowering pH and using a sequestering agent; an acid spot test that doesn’t fizz helps confirm it’s silicate, not carbonate. Prevent recurrence by keeping water balanced (pH/alkalinity/calcium) and using a sequestrant.

  2. What is calcium silicate board?

    A rigid, noncombustible building/insulation board made from calcium silicate hydrates, valued for fire resistance, moisture tolerance, and dimensional stability. It’s used for fireproofing, lining stoves/flues, and thermal or acoustic insulation.

  3. How to cut calcium silicate board?

    Score‑and‑snap works for thin sheets; thicker boards are cut with a circular saw using a carbide or diamond blade at a slow feed rate. Control dust with wet cutting or HEPA extraction and wear PPE (respirator, eye protection, gloves).

  4. Is calcium silicate bad for you?

    As a food additive (E552) used mainly as an anticaking agent, it’s considered safe at permitted levels (JECFA ADI “not specified”; FDA GRAS). The main concern is inhaling fine dust in occupational settings, which can irritate the respiratory tract.

  5. Is calcium silicate vegan?

    Yes—it's a mineral/synthetic ingredient with no animal-derived components, so E552 is generally suitable for vegans.

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