Thickener · CAS 9000-07-1 · EU E407
Carrageenan
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Carrageenan is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #8 of 417.
- #8 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Carrageenan is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #8 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (98th percentile).
- 3/5
- Mixed Evidence
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #8 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Carrageenan: 3,732 tracked U.S. products (common band, #8 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 3,732 · #8 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E407 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 9000-07-1 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Thickener | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | 75 | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
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 Carrageenan?
Seaweed-derived thickener and stabilizer.
Health Concerns
- Some studies link to gastrointestinal inflammation.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (3,732 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 3,732
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrageenan safe to consume?
Carrageenan scores 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (3,732 tracked products, #8 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Carrageenan used for in food?
Carrageenan shows up as Almond milk, ice cream, yogurt, deli meats in the Thickener class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (3,732 products).
Where does Carrageenan sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #8 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Carrageenan?
The FDA classifies Carrageenan as "GRAS" while the EU status is "Approved" (E407). The EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
What health concerns are associated with Carrageenan?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Carrageenan: Some studies link to gastrointestinal inflammation.. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.