E530: Magnesium Oxide
Main role: preventing clumping and acidity control
Also listed as: MgO
What is E530 (Magnesium Oxide)?
Magnesium oxide is a magnesium compound that can support powder handling and acidity control. Its technical food role differs from the nutrient quantities declared in fortified foods or 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 preparations
- Food supplement mixtures
- Acidity-control 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 E530, E 530, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include MgO. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
The name magnesium oxide does not disclose elemental magnesium per serving. Use the nutrition or supplement declaration to understand the nutrient dose.
Is E530 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 E530 as Magnesium oxide. 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.