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Calcium Alginate

Also known as: E404

Low concern

Calcium alginate (E404) is approved by FDA under 21 CFR 172.725 and by EFSA. EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation found no safety concern at current use levels.

Found in

263 products

E-number

E404

Type

carrier, humectant, sequestrant, stabiliser, thickener

What it is

Calcium alginate (E404), a salt of alginic acid derived from brown seaweed.

Thickener, gelling agent, stabilizer.

Why it's flagged

may reduce mineral absorption at high intakes

What regulators actually say

"Calcium alginate may be safely used in or on food in accordance with the following prescribed conditions."

FDA 21 CFR 172.725 — accessdata.fda.gov

"The Panel concluded there is no safety concern for alginic acid and its sodium, potassium, ammonium and calcium salts (E 400-404) at current use levels."

EFSA 2017 — efsa.europa.eu

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

permitted under 21 CFR 172.725

European Union — EFSA

ADI 'not specified' (EFSA 2017)

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