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Ingredient Guide

🇺🇸 Carrageenan on Food Labels in US

Carrageenan is permitted with proper declaration in United States: declare as "carrageenan" in the ingredient list.

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What the Rule Is

Carrageenan (E407) is a gelling and thickening agent extracted from red seaweed, used in dairy desserts, plant-based milks, deli meats, and ice cream. In United States, Carrageenan is regulated under FDCA & FSMA as a food thickener. FDA GRAS status maintained. However, the National Organic Program (NOP) has added carrageenan to the National List as allowed in organic foods. There have been petitions to revoke GRAS status — FDA reaffirmed GRAS in 2020 based on available evidence. Must be declared as "carrageenan" in ingredient list.

What You Must Include
  • Declare as "carrageenan" in the ingredient list
  • Declare with functional class: "thickener" and E-number E407
  • Review all compound ingredients for hidden sources
  • Cross-check all compound ingredients and sub-ingredients for hidden sources
Common Violations
  • Incorrect or missing declaration name — must use "carrageenan"
  • Using an ambiguous or abbreviated name that does not identify Carrageenan
  • Omitting the E-number E407 where required
  • Not updating the label after recipe changes involving this ingredient
  • Failing to check compound ingredients for hidden Carrageenan content
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"thickener: carrageenan"
"carrageenan" in ingredient list
Full ingredient line: "Ingredients: ... carrageenan ..."

Non-Compliant Examples

Using a synonym (Carrageenan, Irish moss extract) without the approved declaration name
Ingredient list with "Carrageenan" without functional class or E-number
"Natural [ingredient category]" without specific name where specific name is required
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for Carrageenan and all its common names (E407, Carrageenan, Irish moss extract, Chondrus extract) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under US rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is carrageenan (E407)?

Carrageenan (E407) is a gelling and thickening agent extracted from red seaweed, used in dairy desserts, plant-based milks, deli meats, and ice cream. It commonly appears in: Infant formula, Dairy products, Plant-based milks, Deli meats, Chocolate milk.

Is carrageenan bad for you?

Food-grade carrageenan is not banned in the EU, US, or any major market; the EU prohibits it only in infant formula as a precaution. EFSA’s 2018 re-evaluation set a temporary group ADI of 75 mg/kg body weight per day pending further data. The health concerns circulating online largely relate to degraded carrageenan (poligeenan), which is not permitted in food.

How must Carrageenan be declared on food labels in US?

Declare as "carrageenan" in the ingredient list. FDA GRAS status maintained. However, the National Organic Program (NOP) has added carrageenan to the National List as allowed in organic foods. There have been petitions to revoke GRAS status — FDA reaffirmed GRAS in 2020 based on available evidence. Must be declared as "carrageenan" in ingredient list.

What are the common synonyms and hidden sources of Carrageenan?

Carrageenan may appear under the following names: E407, Carrageenan, Irish moss extract, Chondrus extract. Common hidden sources include: Infant formula, Dairy products, Plant-based milks, Deli meats, Chocolate milk, Ice cream.

Is carrageenan banned in US or other markets?

Restricted with maximum levels in: EU, UK.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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