Emulsifier · EU 400
Alginic Acid
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Alginic Acid is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #361 of 417.
- #361 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Alginic Acid is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #361 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (0th percentile).
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- #361 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
Alginic Acid: composite 4/5 (Low Risk) with FDA Approved and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | 400 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Emulsifier | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 1 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Alginic Acid?
Alginic Acid is a food additive (400) classified as emulsifier.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Re‐evaluation of alginic acid and its sodium, potassium, ammonium and calcium salts -E 400–E 404- as food additives
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Alginic Acid
Product-count (1) and safety-score (4/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 4/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alginic Acid safe to consume?
Alginic Acid scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. In the lower-concern band the federal listing is the primary signal; EU status is Approved. Moderation still applies to any additive.
What is Alginic Acid used for in food?
Alginic Acid is commonly used as: Sauces, dressings, baked goods, ice cream. It belongs to the Emulsifier category of food additives.
Where does Alginic Acid sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #361 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What health concerns are associated with Alginic Acid?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Alginic Acid: EFSA evaluation: Re‐evaluation of alginic acid and its sodium, potassium, ammonium and calcium salts -E 400–E 404- as food additives. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.