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E407Caution

Carrageenan

Group: Thickeners · in the book

Harm level3 of 5In moderation

In plain words

Carrageenan is a thickener extracted from red seaweed. It makes products creamy and stable, and you will find it in dairy desserts, plant-based drinks, ice cream and ham.

Where you find it: cream, dairy desserts, plant drinks, ham

Our recommendation

Limit it; if you have inflammatory bowel disease, it is worth avoiding.

Possible risks and effects

  • Possible promotion of gut inflammation (evidence mainly animal and in vitro)
  • People with IBD (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) may be more sensitive

For experts

A sulphated galactan polysaccharide from Chondrus, Eucheuma and related seaweeds, used as thickener, gelling agent and stabiliser. EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation set only a temporary group ADI of 75 mg/kg bw/day (with E407a) because of data gaps. Degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) is not permitted; concerns about gut inflammation come mainly from animal and in-vitro studies.

Check another E-number

More from this group

E407aProcessed eucheuma seaweedE412Guar gumE466Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)E1400–E1452Modified starchesE415Xanthan gumE400Alginic acidE401Sodium alginateE406Agar

This information is educational and based on EFSA assessments and available studies; it does not replace medical advice. With allergies, intolerances or illness, follow your doctor’s advice.