E343 · Monomagnesium phosphate, dimagnesium phosphate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E343?
These are magnesium salts of phosphoric acid used in food as anti-caking agents, stabilizers, and sources of added magnesium in supplements and fortified foods. They are used at low levels in processed foods and dietary supplement formulations. They are considered safe at typical food-additive intake levels.
Also appears on labels as: Monomagnesium phosphate, Dimagnesium phosphate, Magnesium phosphate, Magnesium phosphate monobasic, Magnesium phosphate dibasic, Magnesium phosphate (monobasic), Magnesium phosphate (dibasic), Magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, Magnesium hydrogen phosphate, Mg(H2PO4)2, MgHPO4, E343.
What the evidence says
- Contributes to overall dietary phosphate intake; high total phosphate consumption is linked to kidney and cardiovascular strain in people with existing kidney disease.
- Very high intake of magnesium salts can cause a mild laxative effect.
Research behind the verdict
- Re-evaluation of Magnesium Phosphates: Safety and Regulatory Assessment — InfoCons Regulatory Team, Food Additive Safety Database (2022). A regulatory safety assessment of magnesium phosphates (E343) conducted as part of ongoing food additive evaluations. The study reviewed toxicological data and exposure assessments for both monomagnesium and dimagnesium phosphate forms. The evaluation concluded that magnesium phosphates are safe for use as acidity correctors, sequestering agents, and stabilizers in food products. No adverse health effects were identified at current usage levels, and the compounds demonstrate good safety profiles as buffering and neutralizing agents.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E343 safe?
Our overall verdict for E343 (Monomagnesium phosphate, dimagnesium phosphate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E343 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Monomagnesium phosphate, dimagnesium phosphate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E343 and why is it used?
These are magnesium salts of phosphoric acid used in food as anti-caking agents, stabilizers, and sources of added magnesium in supplements and fortified foods. They are used at low levels in processed foods and dietary supplement formulations. They are considered safe at typical food-additive intake levels.
Does E343 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Monomagnesium phosphate, dimagnesium phosphate.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.