Thongweed
Also known as: sea spaghetti
Thongweed/sea spaghetti is a brown algae food. Like other seaweeds it can contain variable iodine and trace heavy-metal levels; EFSA has flagged that excessive seaweed consumption can contribute to high iodine intake.
What it is
Himanthalia elongata, a brown seaweed (also called sea spaghetti) consumed as a sea vegetable.
Eaten as a vegetable; used in salads, soups and as a pasta substitute.
Why it's flagged
- variable iodine content
- heavy metals (e.g., arsenic) at high consumption
What regulators actually say
"EFSA recommends limiting iodine intake from seaweed and seaweed-based products because they can contain very high iodine concentrations and contribute substantially to total iodine exposure."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as food (seaweed)
European Union — EFSA
Permitted food; EFSA monitors iodine and contaminants in seaweeds
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