Processed eucheuma seaweed
Semi-refined carrageenan; same debate.
- Category
- Carriers, Emulsifiers, Humectants, Stabilisers, Thickeners
- Acceptable daily intake
- 75 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
E407a is a natural thickener and gelling agent extracted from red seaweeds. It is essentially a less refined version of carrageenan (E407), containing a higher percentage of cellulose (plant fibre).
How it is used in food
A less-purified carrageenan straight from farmed eucheuma seaweed.
Commonly found in- Plant-based milks (almond, soy) to prevent separation
- Injected into processed meats (ham, poultry) to retain water
- Dairy desserts and ice creams
Health and safety
Shares the carrageenan degradation debate point for point.
Because E407a is essentially unrefined carrageenan, it shares the exact same safety controversies. While regulatory bodies like EFSA deem it safe, some independent studies suggest that degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) can trigger intestinal inflammation, though this is heavily debated.
Potential intestinal inflammation
Like carrageenan, some studies suggest that in acidic environments (like the stomach), it may degrade into smaller inflammatory molecules, though human clinical evidence is inconclusive.
Reviewed alongside E407.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Approved by the FDA. |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E407a
Also printed asPES
Alternatives to this additive
- E412: Guar gum — A plant-based thickener without the inflammatory controversies.
How it is made
Red seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii or Eucheuma spinosum) is washed, soaked in a hot alkaline solution, dried, and milled into a powder.
- Alkaline Treatment — Seaweed is treated with hot alkali to modify its structure.
- Drying and Milling — Unlike E407, it is not filtered to remove cellulose, making it cheaper to produce.
Worth knowing
It keeps some of its natural cellulose.
Conclusion
E407a is widely used as a cheaper alternative to E407 in processed meats and dairy alternatives. If you actively avoid carrageenan due to digestive concerns, you should also avoid E407a.
References
Is it in what you are buying?
ScanWise reads the barcode and tells you which additives a product actually contains, and what they do to its score.
Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
← All additives