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Alginic Acid

Also known as: E400

Low concern

Alginic acid is GRAS for food use. EFSA re-evaluated alginates in 2017 and concluded no safety concern at reported uses.

Found in

11 products

E-number

E400

Type

carrier, emulsifier, humectant, sequestrant, stabiliser, thickener

What it is

A natural polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae); E400.

Thickener, stabilizer, gelling agent, emulsifier.

Why it's flagged

Possible reduced mineral absorption at very high intakes

What regulators actually say

"Alginic acid (CAS Reg. No. 9005-32-7)... is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with current good manufacturing practice."

21 CFR 184.1011 — ecfr.gov

"There was no safety concern for the use of alginic acid (E 400) and its sodium, potassium, ammonium and calcium salts (E 401-E 404)... at the reported uses and use levels."

EFSA Re-evaluation of Alginates 2017 — efsa.europa.eu

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1011

European Union — EFSA

E400 authorized; EFSA 2017 re-evaluation found no safety concern

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