Carrageenan (Thickener)
International number (INS/E number) E407
How it's written on Korean labels 카라기난카라지난
What is this additive?
A thickener from seaweed. Debated because of studies on gut inflammation.
Note Debated in research, or something certain people should watch.
What is it used for?
- Thickens and keeps ingredients from settling or separating.
- Sets foods into a jelly.
Safety summary
JECFA did not set a numerical ADI (“ADI not specified”), meaning it judged normal intake unlikely to be a health concern. (evaluated 2014)
⚠ To verify: we haven't re-checked this value against the original JECFA database entry.
In Korea it may be used only within the food-by-food limits in the MFDS Food Additives Code.
Sources: JECFA database (FAO/WHO) · Food Safety Korea (MFDS Food Additives Code, Korean)
Permitted in Korea within legal limits. This is reference information summarized from public regulatory and research sources, not medical advice.
Common in
Yogurt & dairyJellyIce creamHam & sausage
Use differs by food type, and products of the same type can have different ingredients.
If you want to avoid it
- Compare with products that have short ingredient lists without thickeners or emulsifiers (plain yogurt, fresh cream).
- On Korean labels, also look for 카라지난.
Products with Carrageenan
No collected product lists Carrageenan yet. We'll show them here as products are added.
Found by matching text in the ingredient list, so some products may be missed or mismatched. Always check the package. This list refreshes once a day.
Related additives
Other dictionaries: Additive dictionary · Ingredient dictionary · Allergens