ANSWER

According to the Codex Alimentarius Commission (2018), a bulking agent is a food additive that contributes to the bulk of food without contributing significantly to its available energy value. Silicon dioxide could function as a bulking, anticaking and flow agent. It could be used in pepper powders to prevent clumping and to keep the powder free flowing (Government of Canada, 2012).

References

Codex Alimentarius Commission. (2018). Food Additive Functional Classes.

Government of Canada. (2012). List of Permitted Anticaking Agents (Lists of Permitted Food Additives).