E407
Carrageenan
Also known as: Irish moss extract
Components / composition
Sulfated polysaccharides extracted from red seaweed (Chondrus, Eucheuma species).
Common usage in food
Thickener and stabilizer in dairy desserts, plant milks, and processed meats.
Effects on human health
Not absorbed; passes through GI tract. Food-grade carrageenan distinguished from degraded poligeenan in safety assessments.
Risks & considerations
GI inflammation concerns debated; EFSA and JECFA consider food-grade carrageenan safe at ADI. Some individuals report digestive discomfort.
Regulatory approval (EU)
Permitted in EU with restrictions in infant formula (specific forms/uses regulated).
US regulatory status (FDA)
Carrageenan is a permitted food additive in the U.S. under 21 CFR 172.620 for use as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener. It is common in dairy desserts and plant-based milks. FDA distinguishes food-grade carrageenan from degraded poligeenan in safety evaluations, similar to EFSA and JECFA.
Permitted amounts / regulatory limits (EU)
Category-specific limits; special rules for foods for infants and young children.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Not specified in most recent EFSA summary; JECFA previously did not allocate a numeric ADI — check current EFSA opinion for updates.