Safety of Food Additive E174 in Doubt After 2 Major Data Gaps Revealed by EFSA

On April 23, 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a critical update regarding the food additive silver (E174), stating that it is unable to confirm its safety due to serious data shortcomings. The announcement follows a renewed safety evaluation by the Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF).

Despite a previous assessment in 2016 which had already raised concerns, the new submission included only partial data on the particle size distribution, morphology, and limited toxicity testing, which failed to satisfy the panel’s requirements. EFSA emphasized that the physical and chemical properties of all forms of silver used in foods remain inadequately characterized, especially regarding nanoparticles and ionic release.

Because of the lack of comprehensive technical evidence, the panel stated it cannot update current EU specifications for E174. Furthermore, due to silver’s poor solubility in water, EFSA underlined the necessity for nanomaterial-specific risk assessment as outlined in its existing guidance.

The provided genotoxicity and sub-chronic toxicity studies were deemed insufficient, leaving regulators without a scientific basis for a definitive judgment. As a result, the safety of silver (E174) as a food additive remains unconfirmed.

This development could lead to regulatory tightening across the EU, affecting products that rely on silver-based coloring agents. Businesses using or planning to use E174 are now urged to prepare for potential restrictions or reformulation requirements.