Tag: E407

According to recent EFSA re-evaluations, food-grade carrageenan (E407) is considered safe for consumption, though ongoing scientific debate and new data collection have been requested to fill remaining uncertainties. In the UK, as across Europe, its status remains regulated, but is carrageenan bad for you based on current evidence?

According to regulatory bodies across Europe and the US, thickener 407 is indeed the designation for the food additive carrageenan. This ingredient, derived from red seaweed, is widely used for its thickening, gelling, and stabilizing properties in a variety of food products. It is often listed on food labels as either 'carrageenan' or its E-number, E407.

According to a 2024 review, recent studies have raised questions about the safety of carrageenan (E407) in the diet, potentially linking it to gut inflammation and diabetes risk. In contrast to its long-held 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) status by regulatory bodies like the FDA, new human and animal research suggests potential negative health effects. This growing body of evidence prompts a deeper investigation into the question: is E407 food additive bad for health?

While regulatory bodies like the FDA classify food-grade carrageenan as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS), controversy persists among some researchers regarding what are the side effects of 407 additive. This food thickener, also known as carrageenan, is extracted from red seaweed and is widely used in many processed foods. Concerns particularly relate to its potential to trigger inflammation and digestive upset in sensitive individuals.

Carrageenan, also known as E407 food stabilizer, has been used as a food additive for centuries to thicken and stabilize products. Extracted from certain species of red seaweed, this natural polysaccharide is a versatile ingredient found in a surprising variety of processed foods and beverages.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other global bodies consider food-grade carrageenan (INS 407) "generally recognized as safe," a significant number of studies and reports have raised concerns about its potential health effects. The question, 'Is stabilizer INS 407 harmful?' continues to be a subject of debate among consumers, researchers, and regulatory agencies.

Derived from certain species of red seaweed, carrageenan has been used for centuries, though its modern refined form has become a ubiquitous food additive. Refined carrageenan, often identified as E407, is a purified hydrocolloid that serves as a versatile gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent in a vast array of processed foods and other products.

Derived from red seaweed, carrageenan is a common food additive that also functions as a thickener in many toothpastes. This versatile ingredient helps give the toothpaste its characteristic smooth and stable consistency, but its natural origin often raises questions among health-conscious consumers.

Extracted from red seaweed for centuries, thickener 407—or carrageenan—is a natural hydrocolloid used to thicken, stabilize, and emulsify a vast array of food and personal care products. It is a versatile ingredient that interacts with proteins to improve texture and consistency.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies, food-grade carrageenan is considered a safe additive, though its labeling can sometimes be confusing. Understanding how carrageenan is listed on food labels is key for consumers who wish to monitor its presence in their diet, especially given ongoing debates and individual sensitivities.