firming agent INS 511

Magnesium Chloride E511

coagulant, stabilizer — Primarily mineral or synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Approved

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Magnesium chloride (MgCl2)

CAS: 7786-30-3

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Magnesium Chloride occurs naturally in Sea water (second most abundant ion after sodium) and Brine from salt lakes. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Magnesium Chloride is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Magnesium Chloride has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Permitted as firming agent and coagulant in specific food categories.

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Widely used in tofu production.

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 指定添加物

Traditional 'nigari' is the most common tofu coagulant in Japan.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

not specified (acceptable for use)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

not specified (no safety concern at current use levels)

Natural Occurrence

Magnesium chloride is abundant in sea water and natural brines. Traditional Japanese 'nigari' is concentrated sea water brine rich in magnesium chloride, used for centuries in tofu making.

Sea water (second most abundant ion after sodium)Brine from salt lakesBischofite mineralDead Sea and Great Salt Lake

Manufacturing

Method: extraction or chemical synthesis

Extracted from sea water or brine by solar evaporation and crystallization. Can also be produced by reacting magnesium hydroxide or carbonate with hydrochloric acid. Traditional 'nigari' is made by evaporating sea water to remove sodium chloride, leaving a magnesium-rich brine.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent in bath salts and lotions.

Medical

Magnesium supplement, laxative, topical applications.

Industrial

De-icing agent, dust control, cement production, magnesium metal production.

Household

Bath salts, tofu coagulant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Magnesium Chloride (E511)?

Magnesium Chloride (E511) is a firming agent used in food products. It is coagulant, stabilizer and mineral or synthetic. Magnesium chloride is abundant in sea water and natural brines. Traditional Japanese 'nigari' is concentrated sea water brine rich in magnesium chloride, used for centuries in tofu making.

Where is Magnesium Chloride found naturally?

Magnesium Chloride is naturally found in Sea water (second most abundant ion after sodium), Brine from salt lakes, Bischofite mineral, Dead Sea and Great Salt Lake. Magnesium chloride is abundant in sea water and natural brines. Traditional Japanese 'nigari' is concentrated sea water brine rich in magnesium chloride, used for centuries in tofu making.

What is the ADI for Magnesium Chloride?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Magnesium Chloride is not specified (acceptable for use) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Magnesium Chloride?

Magnesium Chloride is used in various food categories including Soya bean products. It is used as a firming agent in these products.

Is Magnesium Chloride the same as Nigari (Japanese name for food-grade brine)?

Yes, Magnesium Chloride is also known as Nigari (Japanese name for food-grade brine), Bischofite (mineral form), MgCl2. These are different names for the same substance.