About
Carrageenan is a naturally derived sulphated polysaccharide extracted by aqueous processing from red seaweed (Rhodophyta), including species such as Chondrus crispus and Eucheuma. It is used widely in food manufacturing as a gelling, thickening, and stabilising agent in products such as dairy beverages, dairy desserts, processed meats, and infant formula.
Safety summary
EFSA (2018) set a temporary group ADI of 75 mg/kg body weight per day for carrageenan (E 407) and processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a), noting significant data gaps in chemistry, exposure assessment, and toxicology that preclude a definitive ADI. Multiple peer-reviewed studies since the 1980s have suggested potential adverse gastrointestinal effects—including promotion of intestinal inflammation—particularly for carrageenan preparations with random-coil conformations, though scientific consensus remains contested. EFSA additionally identified specific safety concerns for infants below 16 weeks of age and issued a dedicated call for data for that population group.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Restricted | Approved in multiple food categories under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II. EFSA 2018 re-evaluation set a temporary group ADI of 75 mg/kg bw/day for E 407 and E 407a pending improved data within 5 years of publication. Safety for infants below 16 weeks is under active dedicated review. Degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) is explicitly not authorised as a food additive in the EU. Failure by business operators to supply requested data may result in removal from the Union permitted additives list.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Permitted as an emulsifier/stabiliser (listed as 'Carageenan') at GMP levels under FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, for food categories including desert jelly and dairy-based drinks (flavoured and/or fermented, UHT sterilised with shelf life over three months), when used singly.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Approved as a stabiliser under 21 CFR 172.620 and 172.626 at GMP levels in foods, except standardised foods that do not provide for such use. Limited to less than 0.8% by weight in finished cheese products (21 CFR Part 133). Carrageenan with Polysorbate 80 is additionally regulated under 21 CFR 172.623 for gel-form foods.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Food Additive Status List – Carrageenan (21 CFR 172.620, 172.626). fda.gov
- 2PubMed. Food-grade carrageenans and their implications in health and disease, 2021. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3EFSA. Call for technical and toxicological data on carrageenan (E 407) for uses in foods for all population groups including infants below 16 weeks of age, 2018. efsa.europa.eu
- 4EFSA. Re‐evaluation of carrageenan (E 407) and processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a) as food additives, 2018. efsa.europa.eu
- 5PubMed. Re-evaluation of carrageenan (E 407) and processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a) as food additives, 2018. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov