Carrageenan

Also known as: Irish Moss extract

Thickener / Stabilizer · E407

US-EU Regulatory Divergence

This additive has different regulatory status in the US and EU — what's permitted in one region may be restricted or banned in the other.

Regulatory Status

United States (FDA)

GRAS

FDA GRAS status. Widely used as thickener in dairy alternatives.

European Union (EFSA)

Approved

Approved in EU. Not permitted in infant formula (precautionary).

Safety Profile

Controversial among health advocates. Scientific consensus: food-grade carrageenan is safe. EU bans it from infant formula as precaution; US allows it.

Health Concerns

• Degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) causes inflammation in animal studies
• Food-grade carrageenan is different from degraded form
• Some advocacy groups call for ban

Commonly Found In

Almond milkIce creamYogurtDeli meatsInfant formula (US only)

Sources: FDA Substances Added to Food, EFSA opinions, EU Regulation 1333/2008, IARC monographs

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.