There are several commonly used food desiccants

There are many types of commonly used food desiccants on the market, and currently there are three commonly used desiccants for food: silicone desiccants (transparent particles) and lime desiccants (white blocks). Silicone desiccants are commonly used on the market. Silicone desiccant is insoluble in water and any solvent, non-toxic and odorless, with stable chemical properties. It does not react with any substance except strong alkalis and hydrofluoric acid. At the same time, silicone is also the only desiccant certified by the US FDA and can be used in direct contact with drugs and food.

Although there are many types, most of them use silicone for food. Why? Because silicone is insoluble in water and any solvent, non-toxic and odorless, with stable chemical properties, and does not react with any substance except strong bases and hydrofluoric acid. At the same time, silicone is also the only desiccant certified by the US FDA and can be used in direct contact with drugs and food. If ingested by mistake, there is no need to worry, as it is not absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and can be excreted through feces without toxicity to the human body. No special treatment is required after ingestion, unless there are special reactions such as dizziness and vomiting, and medical attention is generally not required. Other desiccants, to some extent, contain some toxins and cannot come into direct contact with food.

For example, quicklime desiccants expand in water and generate a large amount of heat, which can burn the skin, intestines, and stomach if ingested. Due to frequent explosions and injuries, they are gradually phased out. If swallowed by mistake, drink water or milk immediately, but control the amount consumed. Take 10 milliliters per kilogram of body weight, and the total amount should not exceed 200 milliliters. Excessive use may cause vomiting, and severe cases require hospitalization for treatment.