E343: Magnesium Phosphates
Main role: acidity control and anticaking
Also listed as: monomagnesium phosphate, dimagnesium phosphate
What is E343 (Magnesium Phosphates)?
Magnesium phosphates are magnesium salts of phosphoric acid. Different forms can assist acidity management or powdered-food handling. They belong to the phosphate group rather than the carbonate or chloride mineral-salt families.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is acidity control and anticaking. Phosphate ingredients have several recipe roles, including acidity control, water management, and texture. Some codes cover multiple related salts, so the full ingredient name is useful when identifying a specific preparation.
Food and formulation examples
- Specified powdered-food preparations
- Acidity-control ingredient blends
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E343, E 343, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include monomagnesium phosphate, dimagnesium phosphate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Magnesium phosphate is not the same as magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate. Do not transfer supplement claims between those compounds based only on the magnesium name.
Is E343 safe?
EFSA’s 2019 phosphate assessment excludes moderate or severe kidney dysfunction from its general-population intake limit. EFSA phosphate assessment (2019).
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E343 as Magnesium phosphates. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.