Is Carrageenan Safe? E407 Explained
Carrageenan is E407 (Carrageenan) — a thickener extracted from red seaweed, used in dairy products and deli meats — under ongoing scientific scrutiny for gut effects.
What is Carrageenan?
E407 is Carrageenan, a food additive classified as a thickeners & gelling agent that thicken and gel foods. A thickener extracted from red seaweed, used in dairy products and deli meats — under ongoing scientific scrutiny for gut effects. You'll find it in soups and gravies, yoghurts, jams and many other packaged foods. Carrageenan is one of the better-known food additives and appears regularly in label-reading guides and dietary discussions. Like every E-number, E407 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Is Carrageenan bad for you?
E407 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. For most people consuming Carrageenan in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflects either active scientific debate, mandatory warning labels, allergen status, or conditions attached to its authorisation.
EFSA opinion: Carrageenan — status Some concerns.
Foods containing Carrageenan
- soups and gravies
- yoghurts
- jams
- ready meals
- salad dressings
- ice cream
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Carrageenan FAQs
Is Carrageenan bad for you?
E407 is authorised in the EU and UK but carries genuine concerns. For most people consuming Carrageenan in typical quantities, health effects are unlikely — but the caution flag reflects either active
Is Carrageenan vegan?
E407 (Carrageenan) is vegan. It is derived from red seaweed, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is Carrageenan halal?
E407 (Carrageenan) is halal. It is derived from red seaweed, which involves no haram sources.
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA