What is Carrageenan (E407)?
Last updated on: 12/30/2025
Sources: WHO, US-FDA, EFSA, FSSAI.
6
/10
Moderate Concern
Generally safe in limited use, minor digestive issues are observed in some sensitive individuals.
CTL SAFETY SCORE
A higher score reflects higher confidence in safety; it is based on regulatory approvals, intake limits, and individual sensitivities data.
Carrageenan is a naturally occurring emulsifier extracted from red seaweed; it is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent. It helps improve texture and consistency in foods such as dairy products, desserts, sauces, and processed meats.
Safety Summary
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Approved for food use by the FDA, EFSA, WHO, and FSSAI.
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WHO assigned “ADI not specified,” meaning it is considered safe when used under good manufacturing practice.
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EFSA’s re-evaluation found no concern for genotoxicity or carcinogenicity at authorized use levels.
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It has a long history of regulated use in a wide range of foods.
- Some sensitive individuals may experience minor digestion-related effects.
Who should be cautious?
None identified by EFSA under dietary exposure
Quick Facts
|
E-Number : |
E407 |
|
INS Number : |
INS-407 |
|
Category : |
Emulsifier |
|
Sub-category : |
Bulking agent, Stabilizer, Thickener |
|
Origin : |
Naturally occurring (commercially produced) |
|
Used In : |
Food |
|
Alternative Names : |
407, Irish moss extract |
|
Similar Ingredients : |
Xanthan gum (E 415), Guar gum (E 412), Locust bean gum (E 410), Gellan gum (E 418), Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a) |
Common Products
Due to its emulsifying properties, you may find it in the following products:
- Dried pastas and noodles and like products,
- Coffee, coffee substitutes, tea,
- Sterilized and UHT creams,
- Fermented milks (plain), etc.
Regulatory Approval.
1. Food and drug administration (fDA – USA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved (GRAS under Good Manufacturing Practice) |
Used in food consistent with Good Manufacturing Practice; no specific numerical limit beyond GMP. |
2. European Food Safety authority (eFSA)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved |
Temporary group ADI: 75 mg/kg body weight per day |
3. Food safety and standardization authority India (FSSAI)
Status |
Usage Limit |
|---|---|
|
Approved (subject to specified maximum levels in food categories) |
Permitted in defined food categories; category-wise maximum use levels (mg/kg or mg/L) listed in FSSAI schedules (aligned with Codex/Food Regulation limits) |
Health concerns
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May cause mild digestive discomfort (bloating or loose stools) in sensitive individuals when consumed in large amounts.
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Public concerns often relate to degraded carrageenan (poligeenan), which is not permitted for use in foods and is different from food-grade carrageenan.
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EFSA identified some data gaps, leading to a temporary ADI, but did not identify clear safety risks at typical intake levels.
Conclusions
Carrageenan (E407) is a widely used, seaweed-derived food additive accepted by all major regulatory authorities. When used within permitted limits, it is considered safe for the general population, with only minor digestive effects reported in some sensitive individuals.