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Carrageenan(E407)

Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary3 sources

Carrageenan is a stabilizer — Stabilizer and emulsifier from Irish moss; used in chocolate products, milk, evaporated milk, ice cream, sherbets, dressings, jams

Also: Chondrus Extract, Irish Moss

What it does

Stabilizer and emulsifier from Irish moss; used in chocolate products, milk, evaporated milk, ice cream, sherbets, dressings, jams

Where you'll see it

Chocolate milk, gassed cream, frozen products, confections, evaporated milk, cheese spreads, ice cream, sherbets, French dressing, artificially sweetened jellies/jams

What the research says

Caused sarcomas in rats after single dose injected under skin. JECFA in 2003 said laboratory results showed it should be restricted in infant formulas. On the FDA list for cancer study since it is a carcinogen in animals. [ultra-processed-people] Human studies have shown carrageenan alters levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota. Grouped with glycerol stearate and sorbitan monostearate as 'commonly used emulsifiers' shown to disturb microbiome composition. [metabolical] Seaweed-derived emulsifier that acts as a detergent on intestinal epithelium, stripping mucin and predisposing to leaky gut, intestinal inflammation, food allergy, and immune dysregulation that feeds metabolic syndrome.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: ASP
  • EU: approved
  • Notes: On FDA list for cancer study; JECFA requested in 2003 it be restricted in infant formulas

Sources

  • Metabolical (Lustig) — Chapter 20: carrageenan (ice cream)… emulsifiers are also detergents, and can strip away the mucin layer that sits on top of and protects intestinal epithelial cells
  • Ultra-Processed People (van Tulleken) — Chapter 14: Additive anxiety: the commonly used emulsifiers, including glycerol stearate, sorbitan monostearate, and carrageenans, have been shown to alter overall levels of beneficial bacteria
  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Carrageenan is at this writing on the FDA list for cancer study since it is a carcinogen in animals