magnesium sulfate, Epsom salts
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 硫酸镁 |
| English name | magnesium sulfate, Epsom salts |
| INS/E number | INS 518 |
| Functional class | Firming agent, Flavour enhancer |
| Year adopted | 2009 |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ) |
What is it?
magnesium sulfate, Epsom salts (INS 518) is a Firming agent, Flavour enhancer food additive. Used to maintain or enhance the firmness and crispness of fruits, vegetables and canned foods.Used to enhance the existing flavour of foods, not necessarily having a strong taste itself.
Source
Natural：Commonly calcium salts (e.g. calcium chloride, calcium lactate).E.g. monosodium glutamate (MSG), ribonucleotides, hydrolysed vegetable protein.
Industrial：Also includes some aluminium salts (e.g. potassium aluminium sulphate).Produced by fermentation or synthesis.
Why is it used?
- Enhance firmness
- Keep produce crisp
- Improve canned-food quality
- Enhance umami
- Improve overall flavour
- Reduce salt use
Common Foods
- Canned fruits/vegetables
- Soy products
- Jam
- Pickled foods
- Seasonings
- Soups
- Convenience foods
- Snacks
- Sauces
Safety
Safe within permitted use; aluminium salts have scope restrictions.MSG etc. evaluated as safe by JECFA/FDA/EFSA; a small sensitive subset may have transient discomfort with large intake.
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 sulfate, Epsom salts is a Firming agent, Flavour enhancer, 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.