09.01.14
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has completed an in-depth review of the science related to the safety of carrageenan—a soluble fiber made from red seaweed and used as a stabilizer in food—finding it to be safe for use in infant formula, including formula for special medical purposes.
Carrageenan in its raw form, sometimes called “Irish moss,” has been eaten and used as a food ingredient for hundreds of years. The name carrageenan is derived from the Irish word carraigín, meaning “little rock,” as the seaweed naturally forms on small rocks in coastal waters. Today, carrageenan is sustainably farmed and processed for use as a stabilizing ingredient in a variety of foods, including dairy, meat and drink products.
JECFA is a scientific review panel that evaluates the safety of food additives. Its reports are used to guide food additive regulatory approvals around the world and are among the most important testimonials to the safety of food additives.
After reviewing available research on carrageenan safety, particularly a new study of piglets that is representative of human infants consuming carrageenan in infant formula, JECFA concluded that “the use of carrageenan in infant formula or formula for special medical purposes at concentrations up to 1000 mg/L is not of concern.”
The piglet study was conducted by an independent laboratory and supported by carrageenan producers and related industries. As recently as 2013, U.S. regulatory agencies continued approval of carrageenan for use in organic infant formula and other organic food.
Carrageenan in its raw form, sometimes called “Irish moss,” has been eaten and used as a food ingredient for hundreds of years. The name carrageenan is derived from the Irish word carraigín, meaning “little rock,” as the seaweed naturally forms on small rocks in coastal waters. Today, carrageenan is sustainably farmed and processed for use as a stabilizing ingredient in a variety of foods, including dairy, meat and drink products.
JECFA is a scientific review panel that evaluates the safety of food additives. Its reports are used to guide food additive regulatory approvals around the world and are among the most important testimonials to the safety of food additives.
After reviewing available research on carrageenan safety, particularly a new study of piglets that is representative of human infants consuming carrageenan in infant formula, JECFA concluded that “the use of carrageenan in infant formula or formula for special medical purposes at concentrations up to 1000 mg/L is not of concern.”
The piglet study was conducted by an independent laboratory and supported by carrageenan producers and related industries. As recently as 2013, U.S. regulatory agencies continued approval of carrageenan for use in organic infant formula and other organic food.