Dimethylpolysiloxane is an anti-foaming agent used in oil when frying. It's a type of silicon and is found in many non-food items, like Silly Putty and cosmetics. But is it safe to eat?
According to the FDA, the World Health Organization and other researchers, this chemical is perfectly safe to eat.
According to FDA regulations, formaldehyde (a carcinogen) may be used “as a preservative in defoaming agents containing dimethylpolysiloxane”
However, when choosing chicken patties and other pre-fried foods, choose those without added chemicals. Even better, swap pre-fried foods (like chicken patties) for non-fried versions (grilled chicken breast). You can have all the convenience, without the chemicals or added fat from frying.
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Sources:
Łukasiak J, Falkiewicz B. A mistake in the JECFA recommendations on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Food Addit Contam. 2000;17(11):945-6.
Nair B; Cosmetic Ingredients Review Expert Panel. Final report on the safety assessment of stearoxy dimethicone, dimethicone, methicone, amino bispropyl dimethicone, aminopropyl dimethicone, amodimethicone, amodimethicone hydroxystearate, behenoxy dimethicone, C24-28 alkyl methicone, C30-45 alkyl methicone, C30-45 alkyl dimethicone, cetearyl methicone, cetyl dimethicone, dimethoxysilyl ethylenediaminopropyl dimethicone, hexyl methicone, hydroxypropyldimethicone, stearamidopropyl dimethicone, stearyl dimethicone, stearyl methicone, and vinyldimethicone. Int J Toxicol. 2003;22 Suppl 2:11-35.
CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=173.340
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