E504: Magnesium Carbonates
Main role: preventing clumping and acidity control
Also listed as: magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydrogen carbonate
What is E504 (Magnesium Carbonates)?
E504 covers magnesium carbonate preparations used to control acidity or improve powder handling. The additive specification is separate from the nutritional labeling of magnesium supplements.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is preventing clumping and acidity control. Mineral ingredients can adjust acidity, firm a food, or keep powders flowing. A technical mineral ingredient does not establish a nutritional dose; use the nutrition declaration to assess amounts per serving.
Food and formulation examples
- Powdered foods
- Salt preparations
- Food supplement mixtures
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 E504, E 504, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydrogen carbonate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
A magnesium-containing processing ingredient does not disclose a supplement's elemental magnesium dose. That amount should be stated separately on its label.
Is E504 safe?
There is no meaningful personal risk estimate from an E number alone. Food-grade specifications, allowed uses, amount consumed, and individual circumstances all matter. The authorization record below gives the legal scope; it is not a claim that every possible use is appropriate.
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 E504 as Magnesium carbonates. 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.