E403 · Ammonium alginate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E403?
Ammonium alginate is the ammonium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed and used in food as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent, similarly to other alginates. It is also used in wound-care dressings for its moisture-absorbing properties. It is considered safe for consumption as a form of soluble fiber.
Also appears on labels as: Ammonium alginate, Alginic acid ammonium salt, NH4-alginate, Food grade ammonium alginate, Additivo alimentare ammonium alginate, Additif alimentaire ammonium alginate, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff ammonium alginate, Ammonium alginate powder, Ammonium alginate solution, Ammonium alginate E403, E403, E 403.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food levels.
- Very high intakes of any added fiber may cause bloating or mild digestive discomfort.
Frequently asked questions
Is E403 safe?
Our overall verdict for E403 (Ammonium alginate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E403 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ammonium alginate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E403 and why is it used?
Ammonium alginate is the ammonium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed and used in food as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent, similarly to other alginates. It is also used in wound-care dressings for its moisture-absorbing properties. It is considered safe for consumption as a form of soluble fiber.
Does E403 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ammonium alginate.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.