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E 407Thickeners, Stabilisers & Emulsifiers

Carrageenan

Characteristics

Additive NameCarrageenan
E No.E 407
TypeIndividual Substance
In plain language

A thickener and gelling agent extracted from red seaweed, widely used in dairy products, processed meats, infant formula, and ready-made desserts. It creates smooth textures and prevents ingredients from separating. Controversy surrounds it. Animal studies and some lab research suggest it may irritate the gut lining and trigger inflammation. EFSA reviewed it in 2018 and maintained its approval for most uses, but raised concerns about infant formula — recommending it be removed from those products. Degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) is considered harmful, but food-grade carrageenan is a different form. Still, sensitive individuals, especially those with gut issues, may want to limit intake.

Conditions of Use

This additive is authorised to be used in the following 10 food categories:

1.5dehydrated milk as defined by directive 2001/114/ec
Quantum satis (no max)
1.6.1unflavoured pasteurised cream (excluding reduced fat creams)
Quantum satis (no max)
1.6.2Unflavoured live fermented cream products and substitute products, both with a fat content of less than 20 %
Quantum satis (no max)
11.4.1table-top sweeteners in liquid form
Quantum satis (no max)
11.4.2table-top sweeteners in powder form
Quantum satis (no max)
4.2.5jam jellies and marmalades and similar products
Maximum Level = 10000 mg/kg
Footnote 32: Maximum individually or in combination with E 400 - 404, E 406, E 407, E 410, E 412, E 415 and E 418
4.2.5.3other similar fruit or vegetable spreads
Maximum Level = 10000 mg/kg
Footnote 32: Maximum individually or in combination with E 400 - 404, E 406, E 407, E 410, E 412, E 415 and E 418
13.1.2follow-on formulae as defined by by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013
Maximum Level = 300 mg/kg
Footnote 17: If more than one of the substances E 407, E 410 and E 412 is added to a foodstuff, the maximum level established for that foodstuff for each of those substances is lowered with that relative part as is present of the other substances together in that foodstuff
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
1.10Milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children*
Maximum Level = 300 mg/L

Source

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E 407 - Carrageenan | E-Number Information