carrageenan
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | carrageenan |
| English name | carrageenan |
| INS/E number | INS 407 |
| Functional class | Bulking agent, Carrier, Emulsifier, Gelling agent, Glazing agent, Humectant, Stabilizer, Thickener |
| Year adopted | 1972 |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA), United States (FDA) |
What is it?
Carrageenan is a sulphated polysaccharide extracted from red seaweeds, used as a thickener, gelling agent and stabilizer.
Source
Natural：角叉菜、麒麟菜等红藻
Why is it used?
- Thickens and stabilises emulsions and suspensions
- Prevents protein precipitation in dairy
- Forms gels (kappa-type) or thickens (iota-type)
- Improves water-holding in meat products
Common Foods
- Chocolate milk
- Yoghurt
- Ice cream
- Processed meats
- Jellies
Safety
Concerns：
- degraded/processed forms (poligeenan) are not for food
- 高剂量动物实验存在争议，建议按批准用量使用
Usage Standard
China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》
International：
- EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex II (E 407)
- FDA 21 CFR 172.620
- Codex GSFA (INS 407)
- FSANZ Food Standards Code (407)
In a nutshell
Carrageenan is a natural thickener and gelling agent from red seaweed, widely used in dairy and meat, to be used at approved levels.
Consumer Advice
Carrageenan is a natural polysaccharide from red seaweed, used as a thickener, gelling agent and stabilizer to keep milk, ice cream, chocolate milk and plant milks smooth and uniform, and in jellies and meat products. It is seaweed-derived and free of animal ingredients. WHO and national food safety authorities consider food-grade carrageenan safe at normal use levels; online concerns relate to a different, degraded form that is not present in food-grade products, so normal eating is not a worry.
Dietary Restrictions
- Vegan: ✅
- Halal: ✅
- Kosher: ✅
Allergens
✅ Free from common allergens
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.