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E 402Thickeners, Stabilisers & Emulsifiers

Potassium alginate

Characteristics

Additive NamePotassium alginate
E No.E 402
TypeIndividual Substance
In plain language

A thickener and gelling agent derived from brown seaweed — the potassium salt form of alginic acid. Found in pasteurised creams, meat preparations, and some baby foods, where it helps stabilise texture and prevent separation. Generally recognised as safe by EFSA and FDA. No significant health concerns at typical food use levels.

Conditions of Use

This additive is authorised to be used in the following 3 food categories:

1.6.1unflavoured pasteurised cream (excluding reduced fat creams)
Quantum satis (no max)
8.2Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004
Quantum satis (no max)
only preparations in which ingredients have been injected; meat preparations composed of meat parts that have been handled differently: minced, sliced or processed and that are combined together. Except bifteki, soutzoukaki, kebap gyros and souvlaki
13.1.3Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013
Maximum Level = 500 mg/kg
only desserts and puddings
Footnote 23: E 400, E 401, E 402 and E 404 are authorised individually or in combination

Source

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E 402 - Potassium alginate | E-Number Information