01 / 04What it is
E407 in plain English
Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived thickener used in dairy, plant-milk and processed meat. Degraded forms cause intestinal inflammation in animal models; food-grade form remains a subject of debate.
Linked to gut inflammation in animal studies.
02 / 04Why it's used
It carries the texture.
To give body and mouthfeel without adding fat or solids — a single percent can transform the texture of a drink, dressing or sauce.
thickener
03 / 04Health concerns
Mixed evidence — worth knowing.
Mixed evidence — some regulators restrict, others permit.
04 / 04Regulatory status
How the world's regulators rule
- Australia · FSANZ
- Permitted
- Banned jurisdictions
- None recorded
- Filtr risk tier
- Moderate
- Filtr score penalty
- −3 points
- Category
- Thickener
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