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Appears Safe

Appears safe based on current evidence

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Appears Safe
Calcium Alginate
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Calcium Alginate

E404 Thickener Appears Safe 1 min read

At a Glance

Safety Rating
Appears Safe
Category
Thickener
E-Number
E404
Banned Somewhere?
No
Controversy Level
Low

Quick Answer

Calcium Alginate (E404) is rated "Appears Safe" according to current evidence. It is approved in the EU and approved in the US. This additive is currently approved in all four major markets (US, EU, UK, Japan).

On This Page

What is Calcium Alginate?

From seaweed. Used in restructured foods

Regulatory Status by Country

🇺🇸 US

Check FDA database
Agency: FDA

🇪🇺 EU

Approved
Agency: EFSA

From seaweed. Used in restructured foods

🇬🇧 UK

Same as EU pre-Brexit
Agency: FSA

UK retained EU food additive regulations post-Brexit with some modifications

🇯🇵 Japan

Check MHLW database
Agency: MHLW

🇨🇦 CA

Check Health Canada
Agency: Health Canada

Verify with Health Canada's permitted food additives list.

🇦🇺 AU/NZ

Approved
Agency: FSANZ

Generally aligned with EU standards. Regulated by FSANZ.

🇮🇳 India

Check FSSAI
Agency: FSSAI

Verify with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

🇰🇷 KR

Check MFDS
Agency: MFDS

Verify with South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

🇧🇷 Brazil

Check ANVISA
Agency: ANVISA

Verify with Brazil's ANVISA.

🇨🇳 China

Check GB 2760
Agency: GB 2760

Verify with China's GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard.

Note: Canada, Australia/NZ, India, South Korea, Brazil, and China statuses are inferred from international regulatory patterns. Always verify with the relevant national authority.

Expert Analysis

Calcium Alginate is classified as a thickener in the food additive regulatory framework. Current scientific evidence supports its safety when consumed within established limits. This additive is approved across multiple major regulatory markets worldwide, suggesting broad scientific consensus on its safety profile. As with all food additives, moderation is key. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary advice.

Is Calcium Alginate safe?

Calcium Alginate has a safety rating of "Appears Safe". Appears safe based on current evidence

Is Calcium Alginate vegan?

Calcium Alginate is generally considered vegan-friendly, though sourcing may vary.

Is Calcium Alginate banned in Europe?

No, Calcium Alginate is Approved in the EU.

What is Calcium Alginate made from?

From seaweed. Used in restructured foods

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Calcium Alginate safe?
Calcium Alginate has a safety rating of "Appears Safe" based on regulatory data from 10 countries including the US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and more. Appears safe based on current evidence Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Is Calcium Alginate banned in any country?
Calcium Alginate is currently approved in major markets including the US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and more, though specific regulations and permitted uses may vary between countries.
What is Calcium Alginate used for?
Calcium Alginate is a food additive in the "Thickener" category. From seaweed. Used in restructured foods

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