EFSA's Follow-up Evaluation of Silver (E 174) as a Food Additive

In 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a follow-up evaluation of silver (E 174), a food additive used as a colourant, building upon its previous assessment in 2016. The re-evaluation focused on updated data regarding the physicochemical properties, particle size distribution, and potential toxicity of silver particles, including nanoscale forms. EFSA's assessment considered new studies on silver's absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its potential genotoxicity and effects on the liver and immune system. The evaluation concluded that, based on the available data, the use of silver (E 174) as a food additive does not pose a safety concern at the reported levels of dietary exposure. However, EFSA recommended further research to address remaining uncertainties, particularly concerning the characterization of silver nanoparticles and their long-term effects on human health.