E528 · Magnesium hydroxide
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E528?
Magnesium hydroxide (E528), also known as milk of magnesia, is used in food processing as an acidity regulator and color stabilizer, and as a source of magnesium in some fortified foods and supplements. Outside food, it is a common over-the-counter antacid and laxative.
Also appears on labels as: Magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2, Magnesium dihydroxide, Milk of magnesia, Magnesium hydroxide food grade, Food additive E528, Antacid magnesium hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide powder, INS 528, E528, E 528, E-528.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels; in high supplemental or medicinal doses it can have a laxative effect.
Research behind the verdict
- FDA GRAS Assessment: Magnesium Hydroxide Safety in Food Applications — US FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA Food Additive Status List (2023). A comprehensive FDA assessment confirming magnesium hydroxide (E528) as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as an anticaking agent, pH regulator, and color retention agent in food products. The evaluation examined extensive toxicological data and concluded that magnesium hydroxide poses no safety concerns when used according to good manufacturing practices. The research confirmed its effectiveness in preventing caking in powdered foods and maintaining product stability. The assessment supports its continued use across various food categories with established safety margins.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E528 safe?
Our overall verdict for E528 (Magnesium hydroxide) 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 E528 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Magnesium hydroxide — 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 E528 and why is it used?
Magnesium hydroxide (E528), also known as milk of magnesia, is used in food processing as an acidity regulator and color stabilizer, and as a source of magnesium in some fortified foods and supplements. Outside food, it is a common over-the-counter antacid and laxative.
Does E528 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Magnesium hydroxide.
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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.