Product Overview & Executive Summary
Food Grade Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate Flakes - Product Datasheet & Specifications
Product Name: Food Grade Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate Flakes
Synonym: Magnesium Chloride 6-Hydrate, Magnesium Chloride Flakes, E511 Food Additive
Chemical Formula: MMgCl2·6H2O
CAS Number: 7791-18-6
EINECS Number: 232-094-6
Product Description
Food Grade Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate Flakes are high-purity, white crystalline flakes derived from natural brine or sea-water evaporation followed by purification and recrystallization. This product contains approximately 46% magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and 99% total purity, ensuring exceptional solubility, high bioavailability of magnesium ions, and excellent stability during storage and handling.
It complies with FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) and E511 (EU food additive) standards, making it suitable for food, beverage, nutrition, and pharmaceutical applications. Owing to its mild taste, strong hygroscopicity, and balanced magnesium content, it is widely used as a firming agent, coagulant, electrolyte replenisher, mineral fortifier, and flavor enhancer in food processing and health products.
The crystalline flakes dissolve rapidly in water, forming a clear, neutral solution. The product is free from ammonia, heavy metals, and harmful impurities, produced under a strict ISO and HACCP food safety management system to ensure reliable quality and traceability.
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Key Features
High Food-Grade Purity: MgCl2·6H2O content ≥ 99.0%, compliant with FCC and EU Regulation (E511).
Natural Origin: Extracted and purified from high-quality brine or sea water sources.
High Solubility & Bioavailability: Ensures fast absorption and effective magnesium supplementation.
Excellent Hygroscopic Stability: Carefully crystallized and dried to minimize caking during storage.
Uniform Flake Size: Easy to handle, dissolve, and mix in food processing systems.
Non-Toxic & Safe: Contains no ammonia, heavy metals, or harmful residues.
Detailed Technical Specifications & Analytical
Chemical Composition & Purity
| Parameter | Specification | Standard Grade | Test Method |
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2·6H2O) | ≥ 99.0% | 99.2% | Gravimetric |
Magnesium Chloride (as MgCl2) | ≥ 46.0% | 46.3% | Atomic Absorption |
| Calcium (as Ca) | ≤ 0.10% | 0.05% | ICP-OES |
Sodium (as Na) | ≤ 0.20% | 0.10% | ICP-OES |
Sulfates (as SO4) | ≤ 0.02% | 0.01% | Gravimetric |
Insoluble Matter in Water | ≤ 0.02% | 0.01% | Gravimetric |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 5 ppm | < 2 ppm | AAS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | < 0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 ppm | < 0.05 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Loss on Ignition | 46–48% | — | 550°C ± 25°C |
Physical Properties
Parameter | Specification / Typical Value | Test Method | Notes |
Appearance | White crystalline flakes | Visual | Free-flowing, translucent |
Odor & Taste | Odorless, slightly saline | Sensory | Food-safe |
| Bulk Density (Loose) | 0.75–0.95 g/cm³ | ASTM D1895 | — |
Particle Size | 1–10 mm (customizable) | Sieving | Uniform size distribution |
| pH (5% solution at 25°C) | 6.0–8.0 | pH Meter | Neutral to slightly alkaline |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | 167 g/100 mL | Gravimetric | Highly soluble |
| Hygroscopicity | Strong | Observation | Store in sealed containers |
| Whiteness | ≥ 90% | CIE Lab | — |
Key Characteristics & Functional Advantages
Food-Grade Safety: Fully complies with FCC and EU E511 standards, suitable for direct food contact.
Magnesium Source: Supplies bioavailable Mg²+ ions essential for human nutrition, muscle function, and energy metabolism.
Functional Additive: Serves as a coagulant in tofu, firming agent in canned vegetable, and mineral fortifier in beverages and supplements.
Excellent Solubility: Rapidly dissolves in cold or warm water, ensuring homogeneity in liquid formulations.
Hygroscopic Nature: Absorbs moisture readily; ideal for use in salt substitutes, electrolyte solutions, and marine products.
Non-Caking & Easy Handling: Flake form provides superior flow and reduces clumping during storage.
Primary Applications & Industries Served
Food Industry:
- Used as a coagulant in bean curd (tofu) manufacturing.
- Acts as a firming agent for fruits and vegetables.
- Added as a mineral nutrient in beverages, dairy, and functional foods.
- Serves as a salt substitute in low-sodium formulations.
Nutritional Supplements:
- Source of bioavailable magnesium for tablets, capsules, and electrolyte powders.
- Applied in sports nutrition for muscle recovery and hydration balance.
Pharmaceutical Applications:
- Used in magnesium replenishment therapies and oral rehydration salts.
- Serves as a stabilizer in specific formulations.
Industrial Food Processing:
- Applied as a flocculant and moisture-retaining agent in various food systems.
Packaging, Storage & Handling
Packaging Options: 25 kg PE-lined paper bags, 50 kg woven bags, or 1000 kg jumbo bags; sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
Storage Conditions: Keep in a dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid exposure to air to prevent liquefaction.
Shelf Life: 24 months from production date when stored under recommended conditions.
Handling Precautions: Avoid prolonged contact with air; reseal containers after opening. Use gloves and protective eyewear during handling.
Safety Information (Summary of SDS)
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous for food use.
Hazard Statements: May cause mild eye or skin irritation upon contact due to hygroscopicity.
First Aid Measures:
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air if dust inhaled.
- Eye Contact: Rinse with clean water for several minutes.
- Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water.
- Ingestion: Safe in small quantities; seek medical attention if discomfort occurs.
Quality Assurance & Customization
Quality System: Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, and HACCP certified management systems.
Batch Certification: Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) showing compliance with FCC and food-grade standards.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Complies with FCC, EU E511, GB 25584-2010, REACH, and RoHS.
- Produced in facilities adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Customization Options:
- Adjustable flake size and moisture content.
- Alternative granular or powder forms available.
- Custom labeling and packaging for export compliance.