While aluminum salts are all on the GRAS list, there has been an increase in concern of their use due to aluminum's effects on the brain.
Aluminum compounds are used to adjust acidity, as an astringent, to keep canned produce firm, to lighten food texture, and as anticaking agents. Sodium aluminum phosphate, the most commonly used, is found in baking powder and self rising flours. Alum is used as a clarifier for sugar and as a hardening agent; aluminum calcium silicate is used as an anticaking agent in salt and other powders. Aluminum hydroxide is a strong alkali agent that can be toxic but is safe in small amounts, as a leavening agent in baked goods, for example. It is also used in antiperspirants, and antacids. Aluminum ammonium sulfate is used as an astringent, buffer, and neutralizing agent by the cereal industry; it is also used in baking powder.
Special Note: Healing Gourmet does not promote foods containing aluminum salts.