What is E504?
Magnesium carbonate (E504) is a mineral salt used as an acidity regulator, anticaking agent or mineral source in selected foods. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a preference to limit routine mineral additives.
Magnesium carbonate is a mineral compound with several food-technological uses. Its permitted function depends on the food category and the applicable standard.
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Read the FAQ →
What is Magnesium carbonate?
Magnesium carbonate is a mineral compound with several food-technological uses. Its permitted function depends on the food category and the applicable standard.
What's it used for?
- Helping powders remain free-flowing
- Adjusting acidity in selected foods
- Providing magnesium in specified formulations
- Supporting texture or processing in limited uses
Where you'll find E504 on the shelf
It is most relevant to powdered foods, mineral formulations and selected processed products.
Is E504 safe? What the regulators say
Magnesium carbonate is permitted with conditions in the three systems checked. EFSA included magnesium carbonates in a 2026 data-collection call.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ lists magnesium carbonate as additive 504 in Schedule 15; category conditions and levels apply. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | E504 is on the EU Union list under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 for specified uses. |
| US United States (FDA) | Affirmed GRAS under 21 CFR 582.1425 | FDA’s current eCFR lists magnesium carbonate under 21 CFR 582.1425 for use according to good manufacturing practice. |
Caution is a preference-based tier for routine mineral additives. It does not replace advice about magnesium intake or a clinician’s guidance.
- EFSA’s 2026 call includes magnesium carbonates E504.
- FDA 21 CFR 582.1425 affirms magnesium carbonate GRAS under good manufacturing practice.
- FSANZ Schedule 15 and the EU Union list provide category-specific permissions.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People limiting mineral additives
- People comparing powdered formulations
- People managing total magnesium intake with professional guidance
Goodnessly rates E504 Caution as a practical preference to notice mineral additives and consider the whole product.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Magnesium carbonate
- 504 or E504
- Anticaking agent (504)
- Magnesium carbonate in a mineral formulation
The label may show the substance name, its number, or the functional class plus number.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E504?
E504 is magnesium carbonate, a mineral salt used in selected food-technological applications.
Is E504 permitted?
E504 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US.
Why is E504 rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a preference to limit routine mineral additives, not as a claim of definite harm.
How does Goodnessly rate E504?
Goodnessly rates E504 (magnesium carbonate) as Caution.
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