ingredient.help
Back to catalog
E343AcidulantModerate concern

Magnesium Phosphate

In plain words

The short version

Magnesium phosphate salts — anti-caking, supplement fortifier, and mineral source.

Why we flag it amber

It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.

Safety

Safety profile

Group ADI of 40 mg/kg body weight per day for phosphates, expressed as phosphorus (EFSA 2019). EFSA applies it to phosphorus intake from all sources, including phosphate naturally present in food and water, not only additives. Magnesium contribution can offer a small benefit; phosphate fraction stacks against the cumulative added-phosphate concern.

The detail

Sources

  1. EFSA — Re-evaluation of phosphoric acid–phosphates – di-, tri- and polyphosphates (E 338–341, E 343, E 450–452) as food additives and the safety of proposed extension of use (EFSA Journal 2019;17(6):5674) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 2019. Group ADI 40 mg/kg bw/day expressed as phosphorus, applying to phosphate from all sources
  2. WHO JECFA database — Trimagnesium phosphate (INS 343(iii)), evaluation 1982 — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 1982. JECFA group MTDI 70 mg/kg bw for phosphorus from all sources
  3. eCFR — 21 CFR 184.1434 Magnesium phosphate (GRAS) — U.S. Government Publishing Office / FDA (eCFR), 2004. US GRAS status for dibasic and tribasic magnesium phosphate, GMP levels, infant formula
  4. EUR-Lex — Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, consolidated text of 18.08.2026 (Annex II) — European Union (EUR-Lex), 2026. EU maximum levels apply to the phosphate group combined, expressed as P2O5

Checked against these sources on .

Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.