| E-Number | E407 |
| FDA Status | FDA-approved as a food additive (21 CFR 172.620). GRAS for use in infant formula (21 CFR 172.626). FDA distinguishes bet… |
| EFSA Status | EFSA re-evaluated in 2018 and maintained approval. However, EFSA recommended that carrageenan (E 407) be excluded from i… |
| ADI | 75 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA/JECFA) |
| Severity | Moderate Risk (6/10) |
| Category | Thickener |
A family of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from red seaweed. Used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in dairy products, plant-based milks, deli meats, and infant formula.
Food-grade carrageenan (undegraded, molecular weight >100 kDa) is not absorbed systemically. Concerns center on degraded carrageenan (poligeenan, MW <50 kDa), which has been shown to cause intestinal inflammation in animal models. Some researchers (Tobacman, 2001) argue that food-grade carrageenan may degrade in the acidic stomach environment, though this is debated.
FDA-approved as a food additive (21 CFR 172.620). GRAS for use in infant formula (21 CFR 172.626). FDA distinguishes between food-grade carrageenan (approved) and degraded carrageenan/poligeenan (not approved for food use).
EFSA re-evaluated in 2018 and maintained approval. However, EFSA recommended that carrageenan (E 407) be excluded from infant formula as a precautionary measure. ADI: 75 mg/kg body weight/day.
Banned in: EU (banned in infant formula)
Restricted in: Japan Some EU uses restricted
⚠️ Legal in the United States
| # | Product | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | APPLE CINNAMON SOFT BAKED BREAKFAST BARS, APPLE CINNAMON | The Kellogg Company | 0/100 |
| 2 | Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars Cherry 1.3oz | Kellogg Company US | 0/100 |
| 3 | GRAND CHEESECAKE SELECTION, WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY, SNICKERS BAR CHUNKS, CHOCOLATE MOUSSE, STRAWBERRY TOPPED ORIGINAL | The Cheesecake Factory Bakery, Inc. | 0/100 |
| 4 | STUFFED GRILLED CHEESE | Heinz Frozen Food Company | 0/100 |
| 5 | STUFFED GRILLED CHEESE | Heinz Frozen Food Company | 0/100 |
| 6 | MAINE BLUEBERRY BELGIAN WAFFLE CONE ICE CREAM, MAINE BLUEBERRY BELGIAN WAFFLE CONE | The Kroger Co. | 0/100 |
| 7 | Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars Strawberry 1.3oz | Kellogg Company US | 1/100 |
| 8 | Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars Raspberry 1.3oz | Kellogg Company US | 1/100 |
| 9 | Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars Strawberry 20.8oz | Kellogg Company US | 1/100 |
| 10 | Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Cereal Bars Mixed Berry 1.3oz | Kellogg Company US | 1/100 |
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Average safety score for products containing Carrageenan: 46/100
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CheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is Carrageenan? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/carrageenan"What Is Carrageenan? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-08. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/carrageenan.<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/carrageenan">What Is Carrageenan? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>@misc{checkit2026ingredientscarrageenan,
title = {What Is Carrageenan? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI},
author = {CheckIt AI},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Climaverse PBC},
url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/carrageenan},
note = {Retrieved 2026-03-08}
}