Food emulsifier E558, Zaporizhia region.

After carrying out a number of studies aimed at identifying the negative influence and possible harm of the food emulsifier E558 Bentonite for human health, it was established that this additive is quite safe for the living organism. Due to this, the use of this substance is officially permitted by law in the territory of a large number of countries, including the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the European Union.

In addition to its main name, food emulsifier E558 Bentonite is also known by other names, although not as common: Bentonite, Smectite, cloth clay and bentonite clay.

It is worth noting that the properties of the food emulsifier E558 Bentonite are determined by the method of production and the raw material for thisadditive. This inorganic substance is of volcanic origin and is part of various clay minerals that belong to the smectite group. These are mainly saponite, montmorillonite, nontronite, hectorite and beidellite. For industrial use, the raw material is crushed, dried and cleaned of impurities. As a result, either a granulate or a gray-brown powder is obtained, which is tasteless and odorless.
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The physical properties of food emulsifier E558 Bentonite can be characterized as follows: the substance is not able to dissolve in ethyl alcohol, water, diluted acids and alkalis. However, this does not prevent bentonite from having a high degree of water absorption - upon contact with this liquid, the substance increases in volume several times, and a viscous gelatinous liquid is formed.

In the food production of our country, the additive E558 is not prohibited for use as an active agent that prevents the caking and sticking of food dyes. In addition, it is often added to alcoholic beverages for better clarification.

Food emulsifier E558 Bentonite is very often used in other industries: metallurgical, oil refining, agricultural and construction. For medical purposes, it is used as a filler for medicines for neuralgia, allergies, psoriasis, scabies and arthritis, as well as as an effective antidote for poisoning with salts of heavy metals.

Quite often, E558 can be found in the composition of some creams, in particular those designed to prevent burns and sunburn. In addition, it is used for the production of paper, ceramics, paints and varnishes, detergents, for wastewater treatment, and also as a filler for cat toilets.