Polydimethylsiloxane

A silicone polymer used in food processing as an antifoaming agent, added in tiny amounts to frying oils, fermentation tanks, evaporators, and beverage lines to collapse unwanted foam. By preventing foam-over it improves process efficiency, oil life in continuous frying, and filling accuracy. It is chemically inert, heat stable, and approved for food use within set maximum levels, passing through the process without affecting flavor, color, or nutrition. Because only trace levels are needed and it does not accumulate in the body, regulators consider its use safe. Manufacturers must still declare it where labeling rules require processing aids to be shown.