Is Carrageenan Safe?
Independent health safety analysis · Updated June 15, 2026
48
Safety Concerns Noted
Significant safety concerns — consult a health professional before use
D
Carrageenan — Nerq Safety Score 48.2/100 (D). Verdict: Some Safety Concerns. E-Number: E407. Category: food ingredient. Updated 2026-06-15.
Carrageenan has a Nerq Safety Score of 48.2/100 (D). Some Safety Concerns. E-Number: E407. Category: food ingredient. Last verified: 2026-06-15.
Carrageenan has some safety concerns that warrant attention based on a Nerq Safety Score of 48.2/100 (D). Carrageenan (E407) is a food thickener used as a gelling and thickening agent from red seaweed. EU status: Approved but highly controversial. Major gut health controversy. Some studies show intestinal
Overall assessment: Carrageenan is associated with safety concerns that require careful consideration.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making health decisions.
Safety Score Breakdown
Scientific Evidence55/100
Key Safety Findings
⚠Nerq Safety Score: 48.2/100 (Fair)
⚠E-Number: E407
Regulatory Status of Carrageenan
Data sourced from official regulatory databases. Always verify with the relevant authority for the most current status.
What are the safety concerns for Carrageenan?
The primary area of concern is E-Number (48/100). Individuals with sensitivities should exercise caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrageenan safe to eat?
Carrageenan has a Nerq Safety Score of 48.2/100 (D). Some Safety Concerns. Some individuals should avoid or limit consumption. Consult a health professional.
Is Carrageenan banned in any countries?
Regulatory Status score: 48/100. Banned or restricted in some jurisdictions. Check local food safety regulations.
What are the side effects of Carrageenan?
Toxicology score: 48/100. Side effects have been documented. Consult a healthcare provider.
Is Carrageenan safe for children?
Safety considerations for children may differ from adults. Always consult a pediatrician for guidance on Carrageenan consumption by children.
Does Carrageenan cause cancer?
Long-term Safety score: 48/100. Long-term data is limited. Follow recommended guidelines for safe consumption levels.
Is Carrageenan safe for people with allergies?
Allergen Risk score: 48/100. Allergen concerns have been noted. Consult an allergist.
How does Carrageenan compare to similar ingredients?
Carrageenan has a safety score of 48.2/100. Compare with similar ingredients below.
How we calculated this score
Carrageenan's safety score of 48.2/100 (D) is based on analysis of published toxicology data, regulatory filings, clinical studies, and adverse event reports. The score reflects 5 health-specific dimensions: E-Number (48/100, E407), Data Pending (48/100, ), Data Pending (48/100, ), Data Pending (48/100, ), Data Pending (48/100, ).
Nerq indexes over 7.5 million entities across 26 registries, enabling direct cross-category comparison. Scores are updated as new safety data becomes available.
Full methodology documentation · Machine-readable data (JSON API)
Last updated: June 15, 2026 · Data sources: FDA, EFSA, WHO-JECFA, PubMed, GRAS
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, nutritional, or dermatological advice.
Always consult a qualified professional before making health-related decisions.
Data sourced from FDA, EFSA, NIH, and peer-reviewed research.
Full health disclaimer.