Doctor explains why there's an extra 'chemical' ingredient in herb and spice jars

A doctor has explained why you may find an extra ingredient in your herbs and spices - and why it isn't something to worry about. Taking to TikTok, Dr Karan Rajan told viewers why they may see 'silicon' listed on seasoning jars.

Dr Karan Rajan is an NHS surgeon and a clinical lecturer at Imperial College London. The doctor explained all in response to a video of a shopper pointing out a jar of paprika he had picked up from the supermarket included silicon dioxide.

"This should only say paprika in the ingredients, but this has silicon dioxide," the shopper said. Dr Karan Rajan interrupted to say: "Is your seasoning toxic?

"Your seasoning probably does contain silicon dioxide but it's important to note that I said silicon, and not silicone, with an E. But why are we adding this chemical to foods anyway?"

The doctor continued: "Silicon dioxide is an anti-caking agent. Basically, it absorbs water and stops things clumping together so your seasoning and spices are free-flowing an easy to pour."

The doctor pointed out from the shopper's video that "it even says that on the label". Dr Rajan also explained that the chemical is "one of the most abundant compounds on earth" and found "practically everywhere naturally".

He added that if you tried to avoid it, you "wouldn't be able to eat or drink anything". The NHS even said the ingredient goes through your body without being absorbed into the bloodstream.

He told viewers: "Chemicals can be made to sound and look scary to fit someone's narrative until you realise the natural world is full of them. But please, don't eat silicone (with an E)."

According to Michigan State University, silicon dioxide is safe to use and consume in normal quantities. It has been safely used in products for hundreds of years and can also be found in a variety of other food and drink products we buy daily such as fruits, vegetables and grains.