FDA Status
Approved
Sodium Alginate (401) 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 Approved. This ingredient appears in approximately 695 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Sauces, dressings, baked goods, ice cream.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Sodium Alginate 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 Sodium Alginate, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2017/11/10. 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 | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | 401 | 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 | 695 | 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
Approved
401
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Sodium Alginate 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 Sodium Alginate for use in food products under specified conditions.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Sodium Alginate. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Sodium Alginate?
Sodium Alginate is a food additive (401) 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
Sauces, dressings, baked goods, ice cream
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Alginate safe to consume?
Sodium Alginate 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 Sodium Alginate used for in food?
Sodium Alginate is commonly used as: Sauces, dressings, baked goods, ice cream. It belongs to the Emulsifier category of food additives.
Is Sodium Alginate banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Sodium Alginate. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Sodium Alginate?
The FDA classifies Sodium Alginate as "Approved", while the EU status is "Approved" (401). 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 Sodium Alginate?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Sodium Alginate: 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.
How is the safety score for Sodium Alginate calculated?
The safety score of 4/5 for Sodium Alginate 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