MAGNESIUM SULFATE
Prepared at the 68th JECFA (2007), published in FAO JECFA Monographs 4 (2007), superseding the specifications prepared at the 63rd JECFA (2004) and published the Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications, FAO JECFA Monographs 1 (2005). An ADI “not specified” was established at the 68th JECFA (2007).
SYNONYMS Epsom salt (heptahydrate); INS No.518
DEFINITION Magnesium sulfate occurs naturally in sea water, mineral springs and in minerals such as kieserite and epsomite. It is recovered from them or by reacting sulfuric acid and magnesium oxide. It is produced with one or seven molecules of water of hydration or in a dried form containing the equivalent of between 2 and 3 waters of hydration.
Chemical names Magnesium sulfate
C.A.S. number Monohydrate: 14168-73-1
Heptahydrate: 10034-99-8
Dried: 15244-36-7
Chemical formula Monohydrate: MgSO4.H2O
Heptahydrate: MgSO4.7H2O
Dried: MgSO4.xH2O, where x is the average hydration value (between 2 and 3)
Formula weight Monohydrate: 138.38
Heptahydrate: 246.47
Assay Not less than 99.0 % and not more than 100.5% on the ignited basis
DESCRIPTION Colourless crystals, granular crystalline powder or white powder. Crystals effloresce in warm, dry air.
FUNCTIONAL USES Nutrient; flavour enhancer; firming agent; and processing aid (fermentation aid in the production of beer and malt beverages)
