magnesium carbonate
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 碳酸镁(deepl翻译) |
| English name | magnesium carbonate |
| INS/E number | INS 504 |
| Functional class | Anti-caking agent, Mineral salt |
| Year adopted | To be added. |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
magnesium carbonate (INS 504) is a Anticaking agent, Acidity regulator food additive. Used to prevent caking of powdered or granular foods and maintain flowability.Used to regulate or maintain acidity (pH), affecting flavour, colour and stability.
Source
Natural：Inert inorganic substances such as aluminosilicates, silica, magnesium carbonate.Mostly organic acids naturally present in foods (e.g. citric, malic, lactic acid).
Industrial：Purified or synthesised.Their salts (e.g. sodium citrate, phosphates) are made by neutralisation.
Why is it used?
- Prevent caking
- Maintain flowability
- Ease dosing and dispersion
- Adjust pH
- Improve flavour
- Enhance preservation and colour stability
Common Foods
- Salt
- Icing sugar
- Milk powder
- Instant drink powders
- Seasonings
- Beverages
- Confectionery
- Dairy
- Canned foods
- Bakery
Safety
Mostly inert inorganic, non-absorbable, safe within permitted use.Mostly organic acids naturally present in foods; safe within permitted use.
Metabolism：Metabolic pathways vary by substance; generally the material is metabolised or excreted normally.
Concerns：
- Use within permitted levels
- Sensitive individuals should check the ingredient list
Usage Standard
China：依据 GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》确定使用范围与最大使用量；具体限值随食品类别而异。
International：
- China GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for Uses of Food Additives：https://www.cfsa.net.cn/
- Codex GSFA General Standard for Food Additives：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/codex-alimentarius/en/
- FAO/WHO JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives)：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/jecfa/en/
- US FDA Substances Added to Food：https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/substances-added-food-previously-food-additive-status-list
- EU EFSA Food Additives：https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-additives
In a nutshell
magnesium carbonate is a Anticaking agent, Acidity regulator, safe for use in food production within permitted limits.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.