Carrageenan
Also known as: E407, e407 stabilizer
Carrageenan is FDA-approved and EFSA-permitted, but a substantial body of peer-reviewed research links it to intestinal inflammation in animal models, and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are advised by many gastroenterologists to avoid it. EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation maintained ADI but noted data gaps.
What it is
Sulfated polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed (Rhodophyceae).
Gelling agent, thickener, stabilizer.
Why it's flagged
- pro-inflammatory effects in animal models and IBD patients
- EFSA noted toxicological data gaps
What regulators actually say
"Carrageenan... may be safely used in food."
"Carrageenan-free diet... resulted in clinical improvement in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS (21 CFR 172.620)
European Union — EFSA
Approved as E407 with ADI 75 mg/kg bw/day (2018 review)
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