E407 · Carrageenan
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E407?
Carrageenan is a group of polysaccharides extracted from red seaweed, used as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent in dairy products, plant-based milks, deli meats, and desserts. It has no nutritional value and is not digested by the body. Regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA) consider food-grade carrageenan safe, though some research has raised questions about degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) and gut inflammation in animal studies — a distinct, non-food-grade substance not permitted as an additive.
Also appears on labels as: Carrageenan, E407, E 407, E-407, Chondrus extract, Irish moss extract, Seaweed extract, Kappa-carrageenan, Iota-carrageenan, Lambda-carrageenan, Carrageenin, Carragheen.
What the evidence says
- Some studies link degraded carrageenan (poligeenan, not the food-grade additive) to gut inflammation in animal models; evidence in humans at approved food-grade levels is limited.
- May worsen symptoms in people with existing digestive conditions such as IBS or IBD, according to some observational reports.
- Considered safe at typical dietary levels by EFSA and FDA, though debate about long-term safety continues among some researchers.
Frequently asked questions
Is E407 safe?
Our overall verdict for E407 (Carrageenan) 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 E407 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Carrageenan — 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 E407 and why is it used?
Carrageenan is a group of polysaccharides extracted from red seaweed, used as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent in dairy products, plant-based milks, deli meats, and desserts. It has no nutritional value and is not digested by the body. Regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA) consider food-grade carrageenan safe, though some research has raised questions about degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) and gut inflammation in animal studies — a distinct, non-food-grade substance not permitted as an additive.
Does E407 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Carrageenan, though some people report sensitivity (May aggravate symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome.).
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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.