INS 553(iii) is talc, the food-grade form of the mineral magnesium silicate. It is used in tiny amounts as an anti-caking and dusting agent in pan masala, sugar-coated candy, chewing gum, and some chocolate moulding. The same mineral, in much purer form, is the talc in baby powder. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
INS 553(iii) is talc, the food-grade form of the mineral magnesium silicate. It is used in tiny amounts as an anti-caking and dusting agent in pan masala, sugar-coated candy, chewing gum, and some chocolate moulding. The same mineral, in much purer form, is the talc in baby powder.
Brands use it because food-grade talc keeps coated candies from sticking to each other in the mould, helps pan masala stay free-flowing, and prevents gum balls and dragees from clumping. It is one of the oldest known anti-caking minerals.
INS 553(iii) commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
Food-grade talc is an inorganic mineral (hydrated magnesium silicate). It is not derived from any plant or animal source. No animal product is used in its manufacture. INS 553 has multiple sub-categories: 553(i) magnesium silicate (synthetic), 553(ii) magnesium trisilicate, 553(iii) talc (mineral). The food-grade entry on most Indian packets is 553(iii).
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 as an anti-caking and surface-treatment agent for specified food categories with category-specific limits. Food-grade specifications require asbestos-free talc; FSSAI follows Codex purity criteria.
JECFA: ADI 'not specified' for food-grade talc, established at 31st JECFA (1987). 'Not specified' is JECFA's safest classification at typical use levels. Food-grade talc must meet asbestos-free purity specifications.
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 553(iii) is also called:
Last verified: 2026-04-30.