E504

E504 is the food additive code for Magnesium Carbonates, a group of magnesium salts used mainly as acidity regulators, anti-caking agents, and carriers in food and dietary supplement applications.
E504 includes E504(i) Magnesium Carbonate and E504(ii) Magnesium Hydrogen Carbonate, and E504 is valued for mild alkalinity, moisture control, and flow improvement in powdered products.
E504 is also used as a magnesium source in some formulations, but E504 use levels must be controlled to avoid excessive alkalinity effects and to maintain desired sensory and processing performance.

CAS Number: 546-93-0 (Magnesium Carbonate) / 14457-83-1 (Magnesium Hydrogen Carbonate, commonly as solution; associated)
EC Number: 208-915-9 (Magnesium Carbonate) / Not consistently assigned (solution / mixture nature)
Molecular Formula: MgCO3 (Magnesium Carbonate) / Mg(HCO3)2 (Magnesium Hydrogen Carbonate, typically in solution)
Molecular Weight: 84.31 g/mol (MgCO3) / 146.34 g/mol (Mg(HCO3)2, theoretical)

Synonyms: E504, Magnesium Carbonates, E504(i) Magnesium Carbonate, E504(ii) Magnesium Hydrogen Carbonate, Magnesite (mineral source), Basic Magnesium Carbonate (common form), Light Magnesium Carbonate, Heavy Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate Food Grade, Anti-Caking Agent E504, Carrier Magnesium Carbonate, Acidity Regulator E504, E504, E 504, E-504, INS 504, INS-504, E504 (Food Additive), E504 (Acidity Regulator), E504 (Stabilizer) (use context), Magnesium Carbonates, Magnesium carbonates, Magnesium Carbonate (food additive group), Magnesium Carbonates (E504), E504 (Magnesium Carbonates), Magnesium Carbonate, Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium Carbonate (E504i), E504(i), E504i, E504i (Magnesium Carbonate), MgCO3, MgCO₃ (format variant), Magnesium Carbonate Basic, Basic Magnesium Carbonate

APPLICATIONS

E504 is used as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods to improve flow and reduce clumping during storage.
E504 is incorporated into seasoning blends to maintain free-flowing behavior under humid conditions.
E504 is used in powdered soup mixes to reduce caking and improve dosing consistency.

E504 is used in spice blends to absorb moisture and reduce lump formation in storage.
E504 is incorporated into salt blends to improve flow and reduce bridging in dispensers.
E504 is used in powdered beverage mixes to improve handling and maintain uniform dispersion.

E504 is used as a carrier for flavors and colorants to improve distribution in dry mixes.
E504 is incorporated into encapsulated flavor systems to support powder stability and dosing accuracy.
E504 is used in premixes to help disperse low-dose ingredients evenly across the blend.

E504 is used as an acidity regulator to provide mild alkalinity and buffering in compatible food systems.
E504 is incorporated into cocoa and chocolate-related processes to influence pH and improve processing in selected applications.
E504 is used in confectionery powders where pH control supports stability and processing behavior.

E504 is used in dietary supplements as a flow aid and as a source of magnesium in compatible formulations.
E504 is incorporated into tablet blends to improve compressibility and powder handling.
E504 is used in capsule fills to reduce segregation and improve uniformity in mineral blends.

E504 is used in chewing gum base processing as a filler and processing aid in approved applications.
E504 is incorporated into gum formulations to improve handling and reduce stickiness during manufacturing.
E504 is used in gum powders to improve flow and prevent clumping in storage.

E504 is used in bakery premixes to improve powder flow and maintain consistent production dosing.
E504 is incorporated into flour-based mixes to reduce caking and improve storage stability.
E504 is used in industrial dry blending to improve bulk handling in silos and feeders.

E504 is used in food processing aids as an anti-caking and moisture control additive in compatible systems.
E504 is incorporated into powdered dairy analog products to improve flow and reduce moisture pickup.
E504 is used in functional powdered ingredients where stability and flow are critical for consumer experience.

E504 is used in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical powders as an excipient for flow improvement in compatible systems.
E504 is incorporated into dry syrups and sachets to reduce caking and improve reconstitution behavior.
E504 is used in chewable tablets to improve processing and support consistent die filling.

E504 is valued because E504 improves powder flow, reduces caking, and provides mild alkalinity and carrier functionality across many food and supplement applications.
E504 is used as Magnesium Carbonates as an acidity regulator in certain food applications.
E504 is used to help neutralize excess acidity in powdered mixes and dry blends.
E504 supports stable pH and improved taste balance in formulated foods.

E504 is used as an anti-caking agent in powdered food products.
E504 helps keep salt, seasoning, and spice blends free-flowing during storage.
E504 supports better dosing accuracy in manufacturing and consumer use.

E504 is used in table salt and flavored salt products to reduce clumping.
E504 helps absorb moisture and maintain powder flow.
E504 supports consistent shaker performance in humid environments.

E504 is used in baking powders and baking mixes as a processing aid in some systems.
E504 helps manage acidity in leavening systems by providing mild alkalinity.
E504 supports consistent rise behavior when used with appropriate acidulants.

E504 is used in confectionery powders and sugar-based dry mixes to improve flow.
E504 helps reduce caking in icing sugar, cocoa mixes, and dessert powders.
E504 supports uniform blending of fine powders in manufacturing.

DESCRIPTION

E504 refers to magnesium carbonate and magnesium hydrogen carbonate used as food additives, and E504 is commonly applied as magnesium carbonate powders.
E504 helps prevent caking by absorbing small amounts of moisture and by reducing interparticle adhesion in hygroscopic powders.
E504 can also act as a mild acidity regulator, and E504 provides buffering that can influence taste and processing behavior in compatible systems.

E504(i) Magnesium Carbonate is typically supplied as a white powder, often as basic magnesium carbonate forms with variable hydration, and these forms influence surface area and moisture behavior.
E504(ii) Magnesium Hydrogen Carbonate is typically present only in aqueous solution because magnesium bicarbonate is not stable as a dry solid and decomposes to carbonate upon drying.
E504 quality depends on particle size, purity, and heavy metal limits, especially for food and supplement grades.

E504 should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture uptake and caking.
E504 powders can generate airborne dust, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during handling.
E504 should be used according to applicable food additive regulations and good manufacturing practices for the target market.

E504 is the food additive designation for Magnesium Carbonates, typically magnesium carbonate and basic magnesium carbonate.
E504 is supplied as a white, odorless powder with good absorbency and flow-improving behavior.
E504 is used mainly as an anti-caking agent, acidity regulator, and magnesium source depending on application.

E504 is only slightly soluble in water but reacts readily with acids to release carbon dioxide.
E504 provides mild alkalinity and buffering by neutralizing acidic components.
E504 can raise pH in aqueous systems by consuming free acid.

E504 exists in different grades and forms, including light and heavy powders with different bulk density.
E504 particle size and porosity influence absorbency, flow aid performance, and sensory feel.
E504 is often selected because small dosages can significantly improve powder flow and reduce caking.

PROPERTIES

Common Name: E504 (Magnesium Carbonates)
Components: E504(i) Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3) and E504(ii) Magnesium Hydrogen Carbonate (Mg(HCO3)2, typically in solution)
Appearance: White powder (magnesium carbonate; grade dependent)
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (magnesium carbonate); bicarbonate exists mainly in solution
pH: Mildly alkaline in aqueous suspension (concentration dependent)
Function: Anti-caking agent, acidity regulator, carrier, processing aid
Moisture Control: Absorbs moisture and improves powder flow (grade dependent)
Thermal Behavior: Decomposes on heating to magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide (temperature dependent)
Stability: Stable under dry storage; moisture exposure can cause caking and performance drift
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, dry, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24–48 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during handling and powder transfer.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a large amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Consider gastrointestinal discomfort and alkalinity effects if significant ingestion occurs.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, and use dust protection as needed.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during weighing, charging, and blending operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from moisture to prevent caking and maintain anti-caking performance.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Avoid dust generation and sweep or vacuum using suitable equipment.
Collect spilled material into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues with wet wiping if needed to reduce airborne dust.

Handling Precautions:
Optimize dosage based on powder hygroscopicity and desired flow improvement in the target application.
Confirm sensory impact and pH effects when E504 is used as an acidity regulator or carrier.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable flow performance.