FDA Status
Approved
Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan, CAS 977043-69-8, is a emulsifier additive holding a composite safety score of 4 out of 5 (Low Risk). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Approved, while the European Union lists it as not separately listed. It is most commonly used as emulsifier or emulsifier salt, stabilizer or thickener.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Not separately listed | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | — | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 977043-69-8 | 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 | Not yet tracked | 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.
4.0 / 5
Composite Safety Low Risk
Safety Score: 4 out of 5
Safety Rating 80.0%
EU Status
Not specified
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan receives a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has approved Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan for use in food products under specified conditions.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan?
Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan (CAS 977043-69-8) is an FDA-regulated food substance used as emulsifier or emulsifier salt, stabilizer or thickener.
Health Concerns
- FDA-listed substance in the Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) inventory.
Common Uses
emulsifier or emulsifier salt, stabilizer or thickener
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan safe to consume?
Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan has a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan used for in food?
Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan is commonly used as: emulsifier or emulsifier salt, stabilizer or thickener. It belongs to the Emulsifier category of food additives.
Is Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan?
The FDA classifies Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan as "Approved", and the EU may apply different standards. The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan: FDA-listed substance in the Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) inventory.. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan calculated?
The safety score of 4/5 for Carrageenan and Salts of Carrageenan is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial