CAUTION — -8 pts

Carrageenan

Flags: F-O03, D-O07, T-Y01

Also known as: E407, Irish moss extract, Chondrus crispus extract

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What it is

Carrageenan is a thickening and stabilizing agent extracted from red seaweed. It is used in dairy products (chocolate milk, ice cream, yogurt), plant-based milks, processed meats, and toothpaste. It has no nutritional value and is used purely for texture.

CAUTION

The degraded form of carrageenan (poligeenan) is a documented inflammatory agent. The National Organic Standards Board removed carrageenan from its approved list in 2016 due to concerns about GI inflammation. IARC has evaluated degraded carrageenan as a possible carcinogen.

Why it matters

GI inflammation: animal studies consistently show intestinal inflammation and ulceration
Degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) is a recognized inflammatory agent and possible carcinogen
Concern that food-grade carrageenan may degrade to poligeenan during digestion in acidic stomach conditions
Removed from National Organic Standards Board approved list (2016)

The research

Review of harmful gastrointestinal effects of carrageenan in animal experiments

Tobacman JK. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2001. 109(10):983-994 PMID: 11675262 [Source]

"Comprehensive review of animal studies demonstrating intestinal ulceration and inflammation from both degraded and undegraded carrageenan"

Who should care most

Individuals with inflammatory bowel conditions. Children consuming carrageenan-containing products daily (chocolate milk, plant-based milks). Infants consuming carrageenan in formula (largely phased out).

How other countries handle it

Country	Status
United States	Permitted. FDA GRAS. Removed from USDA National Organic Standards Board approved list (2016, effective 2018).
European Union	Permitted (E407). Banned in infant formula.
Canada	Permitted.
Australia	Permitted as E407.

Sources

Review of harmful gastrointestinal effects of carrageenan in animal experiments. Tobacman JK. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2001. 109(10):983-994. PubMed 11675262

For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Consult your pediatrician. Data current as of March 24, 2026.