Thickener / stabilizer
Also known as: processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a), E407a, Furcellaran, carrageenin, Chondrus extract, E 407, Eucheuman, Hypnean, carageenan, Danish agar, Irish moss extract, Carrageenan, Sulfate esters of polygalactose, E407, Irish moss gelose, Iridophycan, Processed eucheuma seaweed, E 407a
Carrageenan is a family of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from red seaweeds (e.g., Chondrus crispus, Eucheuma) used as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent in foods such as dairy alternatives, deli meats, and infant formula. Food-grade (high-molecular-weight) carrageenan is approved as a food additive (E 407) by EFSA, FDA, and JECFA, though it is distinct from the unapproved degraded form (poligeenan).
Is Carrageenan safe? Is it banned or restricted? Below is the cited record — every claim linked to the regulator, study, or report that made it.
Carrageenan, degraded - Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); the available data provide sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of degraded carrageenan in rats, while native (undegraded) carrageenan is Group 3.
IARC classifies degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) as Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in rats; native food-grade carrageenan is Group 3.
Studies have indicated that it can cause gastrointestinal inflammation, and laboratory research in animals has shown ulcerative colitis-like disease and intestinal lesions and ulcerations in some animals.
Consumer Reports warns carrageenan's safety is questionable, citing studies linking it to gastrointestinal inflammation and animal research showing ulcerative colitis-like disease and intestinal lesions.
Food Court reports publicly available findings from regulatory bodies, peer-reviewed research, and journalism. We cite every claim. We are not your doctor — we are a search engine for what's known about your food. Follow the links to the original sources.