A natural thickener and gelling agent derived from brown seaweed. It forms a gel when it comes into contact with calcium, making it useful for binding and stabilising food products. Found in some meat preparations and processed cereal-based baby foods. Generally considered safe and approved by EFSA with no specific daily intake limit set. It has a very limited authorisation — used in only a handful of food categories — so most people encounter it rarely.
This additive is authorised to be used in the following 2 food categories:
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