Processed eucheuma seaweed (PES)

E number E407aINS 407a

Listed as an emulsifier, a gelling agent and a thickener by Codex.

Listed as emulsifiers (Codex) · gelling agents (Codex) · thickeners (Codex) · stabilisers (Codex) · humectants (Codex) · glazing and surface-finishing agents (Codex) · bulking agents (Codex) · carriers (Codex)

Processed Eucheuma seaweed is a less refined relative of carrageenan, made by washing the seaweed with alkali rather than extracting the polysaccharide out of it. It is used in dairy products and processed meats.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Processed eucheuma seaweed (PES) by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
JurisdictionStatusScope and limitsCitation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New ZealandPermitted, with conditions

54 food categories

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

Show every food category
  • 0 Preparations of food additives — GMP
  • 1.1.1 Liquid milk (including buttermilk) — GMPOnly UHT goats milk.
  • 1.1.2 Liquid milk products and flavoured liquid milk — GMP
  • 1.2.2 Fermented milk products and rennetted milk products — GMP
  • 1.3 Condensed milk and evaporated milk — GMP
  • 1.4.1 Cream, reduced cream and light cream — GMPOnly UHT creams and creams receiving equivalent or greater heat treatments.
  • 1.4.2 Cream products (flavoured, whipped, thickened, sour cream etc) — GMP
  • 1.5 Dried milk, milk powder, cream powder — GMP
  • 1.6 Cheese and cheese products — GMP
  • 10.2 Liquid egg products — GMP
  • 10.3 Frozen egg products — GMP
  • 10.4 Dried or heat coagulated egg products — GMP
  • 11.1.1 Rainbow sugar — GMP
  • 11.3.1 Dried honey — GMP
  • 11.4 Tabletop sweeteners — GMP
  • 12.1.2 Reduced sodium salt mixture — GMP
  • 12.1.3 Salt substitute — GMP
  • 12.5 Yeast and yeast products — GMP
  • 12.6 Vegetable protein products — GMP
  • 13.3 Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods — GMP
  • 13.4 Formulated supplementary sports foods — GMP
  • 13.5 Food for special medical purposes — GMP
  • 14.1.1.2 Carbonated, mineralised and soda waters — GMP
  • 14.1.2.1 Fruit and vegetable juices — GMPFor juice separated by other than mechanical means only.
  • 14.1.2.2 Fruit and vegetable juice products — GMP
  • 14.1.3 Water based flavoured drinks — GMP
  • 14.1.4 Formulated Beverages — GMP
  • 14.1.5 Coffee, coffee substitutes, tea, herbal infusions and similar products — GMP
  • 14.2.3 Wine based drinks and reduced alcohol wines — GMP
  • 14.2.4.1 Fruit wine products and vegetable wine products — GMP
  • 14.2.5 Spirits and liqueurs — GMP
  • 14.3 Alcoholic beverages not included in item 14.2 — GMP
  • 2.1 Edible oils essentially free of water — GMP
  • 2.2.1.2 Butter products — GMP
  • 2.2.1.3 Margarine and similar products — GMP
  • 2.2.2 Oil emulsions (<80% oil) — GMP
  • 20 Foods not included in items 0 to 14 — GMP
  • 3 Ice cream and edible ices — GMP
  • 4.1.3 Fruits and vegetables that are peeled, cut, or both peeled and cut — GMP
  • 4.3 Processed fruits and vegetables — GMP
  • 5.1 Chocolate and cocoa products — GMP
  • 5.2 Sugar confectionery — GMP
  • 5.4 Icings and frostings — GMP
  • 6.3 Processed cereal and meal products — GMP
  • 6.4 Flour products (including noodles and pasta) — GMP
  • 7 Breads and bakery products — GMP
  • 8.2 Processed meat, poultry and game products in whole cuts or pieces — GMP
  • 8.3 Processed comminuted meat, poultry and game products, other than products listed in item 8.3.2 — GMP
  • 8.3.2 Sausage and sausage meat containing raw, unprocessed meat — GMP
  • 8.4 Edible casings — GMP
  • 8.5 Animal protein products — GMP
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fish products — GMP
  • 9.3 Semi preserved fish and fish products — GMP
  • 9.4 Fully preserved fish including canned fish products — GMP
Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, S15—5and 53 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth CanadaNo listing matchedHealth Canada’s lists name additives without E or INS numbers, so this site matches them by exact name. A substance listed there under a name this site does not recognise has no row here.
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

69 food categories

Show every food category
  • 1.3 unflavoured fermented milk products heat-treated after fermentation — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 1.6.3 other creams — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 1.7.1 unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except mozzarella.
  • 1.7.5 processed cheese — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML =10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid;E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressedas guanylic acid.
  • 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 10.2 processed eggs and egg products — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML =10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid;E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressedas guanylic acid.
  • 11.2 Other sugars and syrups — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.1.2 salt substitutes — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.3 Vinegars and diluted acetic acid (diluted with water to 4-30 % by volume) — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.4 Mustard — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.6 Sauces — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.7 Salads and savoury-based sandwich spreads — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.8 Yeast and yeast products — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 12.9 Protein products excluding products covered in category 1 8 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 13.3 Total diet replacement for weight control food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juicesPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only vegetable juices.
  • 14.1.3 Fruit nectars as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable nectars and similar productsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only vegetable nectars, E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.1.4 Flavoured_drinksPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E 421, E 953, E 965, E 966 and E 967 may not be used E 968 may not be used except where specifically provided for in this food category.
  • 14.1.5.2 otherPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. excluding unflavoured leaf tea; including flavoured instant coffee; E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used in drinks.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perryPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made winePermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.5 MeadPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except whisky or whiskey; E 420, E421, E 953, E 965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used except in liqueurs.
  • 14.2.7.1 Aromatised winesPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.7.2 Aromatised wine-based drinksPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktailsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 %Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E 965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used.
  • 15.1 Potato- cereal- flour- or starch-based snacks — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 16 Desserts excluding products covered in category 1 3 and 4 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 17.1 food supplements supplied in a solid form excluding food supplements for infants and young children’,Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 410, E 412, E 415, E 417 and E 425 may not be used to produce dehydrated food supplements intended to rehydrate on ingestion.
  • 17.2 food supplements supplied in a liquid form excluding food supplements for Infants and young children — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 18 Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 18.1 Processed foods not covered by categories 18.2 and 18.3, excluding foods for infants and young children — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 18.2 Meal replacement for weight control as referred to in Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 18.3 Food specially produced to reduce the gluten content of gluten-containing ingredients or substitute the gluten-containing ingredientsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. Including dry pasta.
  • 2.2.2 Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 2.3 Vegetable oil pan spray — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 3 edible ices — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 4.2.1 dried fruit and vegetablesPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 410, E 412, E 415 and E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion.
  • 4.2.2 fruit and vegetables in vinegar oil or brine — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 4.2.5.4 nut butters and nut spreads — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 4.2.6 processed potato products — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/ECPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only energy-reduced or with no added sugars.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweetsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. The substances listed under numbers E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403, E 404, E 406, E 407, 407a, E 410, E 412, E 413, E 414, E 415, E 417, E 418, E 425 and E 440 may not be used in jelly mini-cups, defined, for the purpose of this Regulation, as jelly confectionery of a firm consistence, contained in semi rigid mini-cups or mini-capsules, intended to be ingested in a single bite by exerting pressure on the mini-cups or mini-capsule to project the confectionery into the mouth; E 410, E 412, E 415 E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion. E425 may not be used in jelly confectionery.
  • 5.3 chewing gum — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.2.2 starches — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.3 breakfast cereals — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.4.2 Dry pasta — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.4.4 Potato GnocchiPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except fresh refrigerated potato gnocchi.
  • 6.4.5 fillings of stuffed pasta (ravioli and similar) — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.5 Noodles — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.6 Batters — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 6.7 pre-cooked or processed cereals — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 7.1 Bread and rollsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except products in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 — quantum satisquantum satis. only preparations in which ingredients have been injected; meat preparations composed of meat parts that have been handled differently: minced, sliced or processed and that are combined together. Except bifteki, soutzoukaki, kebap gyros and souvlaki.
  • 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated processed meat — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat productsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except foie gras, foie gras entier, blocs de foie gras, Libamáj, libamáj egészben, libamáj tömbben.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid.
  • 9.3 fish roePermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only processed fish roe.
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex IIand 68 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

67 food categories

Show every food category
  • 1.3 Unflavoured fermented milk products, heat-treated after fermentation — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 1.4 Flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 1.6.3 Other creams — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 1.7.1 Unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except mozzarella. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 1.7.5 Processed cheese — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 10.2 Processed eggs and egg products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 11.2 Other sugars and syrups — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 12.1.2 Salt substitutes — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 12.3 Vinegars and diluted acetic acid (diluted with water to 4-30 % by volume) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 12.4 Mustard — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 12.6 Sauces — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 12.7 Salads and savoury based sandwich spreads — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 12.8 Yeast and yeast products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 12.9 Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.8 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 13.2 Dietary foods for special medical purposes defined in Directive 1999/21/EC (excluding products from food category 13.1.5) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 13.3 Dietary foods for weight control diets intended to replace total daily food intake or an individual meal (the whole or part of the total daily diet) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 13.4 Foods suitable for people intolerant to gluten as defined by Commission Regulation (EC) No 41/2009 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. including dry pasta. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juices — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only vegetable juices. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.1.3 Fruit nectars as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable nectars and similar products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only vegetable nectars, E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.1.4 Flavoured drinks — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E 421, E 953, E 965, E 966 and E 967 may not be used E 968 may not be used except where specifically provided for in this food category. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.1.5.2 Other — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. excluding unflavoured leaf tea; including flavoured instant coffee; E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used in drinks. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.2.5 Mead — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except whisky or whiskey; E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used except in liqueurs. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.2.7.1 Aromatised wines — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.2.7.2 Aromatised wine-based drinks — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic drinks including mixtures of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and spirits with less than 15 % of alcohol — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 15.1 Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 16 Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3 and 4 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 17.1 Food supplements supplied in a solid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 410, E 412, E 415, E 417 and E 425 may not be used to produce dehydrated food supplements intended to rehydrate on ingestion. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 17.2 Food supplements supplied in a liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 18 Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17, excluding foods for infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 2.2.2 Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 2.3 Vegetable oil pan spray — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 3 Edible ices — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 4.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 410, E 412, E 415 E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 4.2.2 Fruit and vegetables in vinegar, oil, or brine — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 4.2.5.4 Nut butters and nut spreads — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 4.2.6 Processed potato products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/EC — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. The substances listed under numbers E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403, E 404, E 406, E 407, 407a, E 410, E 412, E 413, E 414, E 415, E 417, E 418, E 425 and E 440 may not be used in jelly mini-cups, defined, for the purpose of this Regulation, as jelly confectionery of a firm consistence, contained in semi rigid mini-cups or mini-capsules, intended to be ingested in a single bite by exerting pressure on the mini-cups or mini-capsule to project the confectionery into the mouth; E 410, E 412, E 415 E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion. E425 may not be used in jelly confectionery. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 5.3 Chewing gum — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 6.2.2 Starches — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 6.3 Breakfast cereals — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 6.4.2 Dry pasta — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only gluten free and/or pasta intended for hypoproteic diets in accordance with Directive 2009/39/EC. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 6.4.4 Potato gnocchi — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except fresh refrigerated potato gnocchi. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 6.4.5 Fillings of stuffed pasta (ravioli and similar) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 6.5 Noodles — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 6.6 Batters — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 6.7 Pre-cooked or processed cereals — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 7.1 Bread and rolls — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except products in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 — quantum satisquantum satis. only preparations in which ingredients have been injected; meat preparations composed of meat parts that have been handled differently: minced, sliced or processed and that are combined together. Except bifteki, soutzoukaki, kebap , gyros and souvlaki.
  • 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated meat products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except foie gras, foie gras entier, blocs de foie gras, Libamáj, libamáj egészben, libamáj tömbben. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
  • 9.3 Fish roe — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only processed fish roe. May not be used in jelly mini-cups.
Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008and 66 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyNo listing matchedThis site imports only Japan’s list of designated additives (Appended Table 1 to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act), matched by English name. Existing additives, natural flavouring agents and ordinary foods used as additives are permitted outside that list and are not imported, so an empty row does not show that Japan does not permit the substance.
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyNo listing matchedThis site imports Part III of South Korea’s Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, matched by CAS number, then INS number, then exact name. Mixed preparations and sanitisers are not imported, and an entry whose identifiers disagreed with a page’s is held for review, so an empty row does not show that South Korea does not permit the substance.
United StatesFood and Drug AdministrationNot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFAPermitted, with conditions

21 food categories

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

Show every food category and its notes
  • 01.2.1.1 Fermented milks (plain), not heat-treated after fermentation — GMP
    • Note 234 For use as a stabilizer or thickener only.
    • Note 235 For use in reconstituted and recombined products conforming to the Standard for Fermented Milks (CXS 243-2003) only.
  • 01.2.1.2 Fermented milks (plain), heat-treated after fermentation — GMP
    • Note 234 For use as a stabilizer or thickener only.
  • 01.2.2 Renneted milk (plain) — GMP
  • 01.4.1 Pasteurized cream (plain) — GMP
    • Note XS288 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cream and Prepared Creams (CXS 288-1976)
  • 01.4.2 Sterilized and UHT creams, whipping and whipped creams, and reduced fat creams (plain) — GMP
  • 04.2.2.7 Fermented vegetable (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera) and seaweed products, excluding fermented soybean products of food categories 06.8.6, 06.8.7, 12.9.1, — GMP
    • Note XS294 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Gochujang (CXS 294-2009).
  • 06.4.1 Fresh pastas and noodles and like products — GMP
    • Note 211 For use in noodles only.
  • 06.4.2 Dried pastas and noodles and like products — GMP
    • Note 256 For use in noodles, gluten-free pasta and pasta intended for hypoproteic diets only.
  • 08.1.1 Fresh meat, poultry and game, whole pieces or cuts — GMP
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
    • Note 326 For use in fresh meat, poultry and game products only.
  • 08.1.2 Fresh meat, poultry and game, comminuted — GMP
    • Note 281 For use in fresh minced meat which contains other ingredients apart from comminuted meat only.
  • 09.2.1 Frozen fish, fish fillets, and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP
    • Note 332 For general use as a glazing agent.
    • Note 391 For non-standardized food and for minced fish flesh only in products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Blocks of Fish Fillets, Minced Fish Flesh and Mixtures of Fillets and Minced Fish Flesh (CODEX STAN 165-1989).
    • Note XS36 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Finfish, Uneviscerated and Eviscerated (CODEX STAN 36-1981).
    • Note XS92 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Shrimps and Prawns (CODEX STAN 92-1981).
    • Note XS95 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Lobsters (CODEX STAN 95-1981).
    • Note XS190 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Fillets (CODEX STAN 190-1995).
    • Note XS191 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Raw Squid (CODEX STAN 191-1995).
    • Note XS292 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs (CODEX STAN 292-2008).
    • Note XS312 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Live Abalone and for Raw Fresh Chilled or Frozen Abalone for Direct Consumption or for Further Processing (CODEX STAN 312-2013).
    • Note XS315 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Fresh and Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products (CODEX STAN 315-2014).
  • 09.2.2 Frozen battered fish, fish fillets and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP
    • Note 177 For non-standardized food and for minced fish flesh and breaded or batter coatings conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish Portions and Fish Fillets -Breaded or in Batter (CODEX STAN 166-1989).
    • Note 332 For general use as a glazing agent.
  • 09.2.3 Frozen minced and creamed fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP
  • 09.2.4.1 Cooked fish and fish products — GMP
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
    • Note 325 For general use in surimi products.
  • 09.2.4.2 Cooked molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
  • 09.2.4.3 Fried fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP
    • Note 41 For use in breading or batter coatings only.
    • Note 325 For general use in surimi products.
    • Note 332 For general use as a glazing agent.
  • 09.2.5 Smoked, dried, fermented, and/or salted fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP
    • Note 300 For use in salted squid only.
    • Note 332 For general use as a glazing agent.
    • Note XS167 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Salted Fish and Dried Salted Fish of the Gadidae Family of Fishes (CODEX STAN 167-1989).
    • Note XS189 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Shark Fins (CODEX STAN 189-1993).
    • Note XS222 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Crackers from Marine and Freshwater Fish, Crustaceans and Molluscan Shellfish (CODEX STAN 222-2001).
    • Note XS236 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Boiled Dried Salted Anchovies (CODEX STAN 236-2003).
    • Note XS244 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Salted Atlantic Herring and Salted Sprat (CODEX STAN 244-2004).
    • Note XS311 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Smoked Fish, Smoked-flavoured Fish and Smoke-dried Fish (CODEX STAN 311-2013).
  • 10.2.1 Liquid egg products — GMP
  • 10.2.2 Frozen egg products — GMP
  • 11.4 Other sugars and syrups (e.g. xylose, maple syrup, sugar toppings) — GMP
    • Note 258 Excluding maple syrup.
  • 14.1.5 Coffee, coffee substitutes, tea, herbal infusions, and other hot cereal and grain beverages, excluding cocoa — GMP
    • Note 160 For use in ready-to-drink products and pre-mixes for ready-to-drink products only.
CXS 192-1995 Table Three, INS 407aand 21 further provisionsretrieved 2026-09-07

How much is permitted

A listing usually limits the quantity as well as the food. Only one of the forms that takes is a figure: quantum satis and good manufacturing practice permit the amount the technological effect requires and no more, which is a limit rather than the absence of one. Figures below are the range across every food category this page is listed in, and categories differ between regulators — see how much is permitted.

Australia and New Zealand—54 GMP
European Union—46 several limits, 1 quantum satis, 22 no quantity stated
Great Britain—67 quantum satis
Codex Alimentarius—22 GMP

No regulator sets a figure for Processed eucheuma seaweed (PES). That is not an absence of control: where the listing says quantum satis or good manufacturing practice, the quantity is limited to what the effect requires.

What it is made from

Made by treating Eucheuma seaweed with alkali and washing it, leaving the cellulose of the seaweed in place. That retained cellulose is what distinguishes it from carrageenan, and why it has its own listing.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

The two specifications, compared

The European Union sets identity and purity by regulation; JECFA publishes its own through FAO, advisory until a country adopts it. Both documents are below in full. These are the parameters each puts a number on.

ParameterEuropean UnionJECFA
Loss on dryingno more than 12 %no more than 12 %
Leadno more than 5 mg/kgno more than 5 mg/kg
Arsenicno more than 3 mg/kgno more than 3 mg/kg
Mercuryno more than 1 mg/kgno more than 1 mg/kg
Cadmiumno more than 2 mg/kgno more than 2 mg/kg

The two documents state the same figures for every parameter compared here.

How the EU defines it

The legal specification an additive must meet to be sold as this E number in the EU — what it is, how it may be made, and the purity it must reach. From Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

E 407a Processed eucheuma seaweed

Processed eucheuma seaweed is obtained by aqueous alkaline (KOH) treatment at high temperature of the strains of seaweeds Eucheuma cottonii and Eucheuma spinosum, of the class Rhodophyceae (red seaweeds) followed by fresh water washing to remove impurities and drying to obtain the product. Further purification may be achieved by washing with an alcohol. The alcohols authorised are restricted to methanol, ethanol or propan-2-ol. The product consists chiefly of the potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium sulphate esters of galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose polysaccharide. Up to 15 % algal cellulose is also present in the product. The wording processed eucheuma seaweed is reserved to the non hydrolysed or otherwise chemically degraded polymer. Formaldehyde may be present up to a maximum of 5 mg/kg.

Synonyms: PES (acronym for processed eucheuma seaweed). The PES obtained from Euchema cottonii is generally called kappa PES and the PES from Euchema spinosum iota PES.

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Description
Tan to yellowish, coarse to fine powder which is practically odourless

Identification

Test for galactose
Passes test
Test for anhydrogalactose
Passes test
Test for sulphate
Passes test
Solubility
Forms cloudy viscous suspensions in water. Insoluble in ethanol for a 1,5 % solution.

Purity criteria

Solvent residues
Not more than 0,1 % of methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol, singly or in combination
Viscosity
Not less than 5 mPa.s (1,5 % solution at 75 °C)
Loss on drying
Not more than 12 % (105 °C, 4 hours)
Sulphate
Not less than 15 % and not more than 40 % on the dried basis (as SO₄)
Ash
Not less than 15 % and not more than 40 % determined on the dried basis at 550 °C
Acid-insoluble ash
Not more than 1 % on the dried basis (insoluble in 10 % hydrochloric acid)
Acid-insoluble matter
Not less than 8 % and not more than 15 % on the dried basis (insoluble in 1 % v/v sulphuric acid)
Low molecular weight carrageenan (Molecular weight fraction below 50 kDa)
Not more than 5 %
Arsenic
Not more than 3 mg/kg
Lead
Not more than 5 mg/kg
Mercury
Not more than 1 mg/kg
Cadmium
Not more than 2 mg/kg
Microbiological criteria: Total plate count
Not more than 5 000 colonies per gram
Microbiological criteria: Yeast and moulds
Not more than 300 colonies per gram
Microbiological criteria: Escherichia coli
Absent in 5 g
Microbiological criteria: Salmonella spp.
Absent in 10 g

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 407a

How JECFA defines it

The international specification for identity and purity, prepared by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and published by FAO. It is a different document from any above, written by a different body and revised on its own cycle; it is advisory, and a country adopts it or does not.

INS 407a Processed Eucheuma Seaweed

A substance with hydrocolloid properties obtained from either Eucheuma cottonii or E. spinosum (from the Rhodophyceae class of red seaweeds). In addition to carrageenan polysaccharides, processed eucheuma seaweed may contain up to 15% of insoluble algal cellulose and minor amounts of other insoluble matter. Articles of commerce may include sugars for standardization purposes or salts to obtain specific gelling or thickening characteristics. It is distinguished from carrageenan (INS No. 407) by its higher content of cellulosic matter and by the fact that it is not solubilized and precipitated during processing. The functional component of the product obtained from E. cottonii is kappa-carrageenan (a copolymer of D-galactose-4-sulfate and 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose). From E. spinosum it is iota-carrageenan (a copolymer of D-galactose-4-sulfate and 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose-2-sulfate). Processing consists of soaking the cleaned seaweed in alkali for a short time at elevated temperatures. The material is then thoroughly washed with water to remove residual salts followed by purification, drying, and milling to a powder. Alcohols that may be used during purification are restricted to methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol.

Synonyms: PES, PNG-carrageenan, semi-refined carrageenan; INS No. 407a PES; PNG-carrageenan; Semi-refined carrageenan

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history
Prepared at the 68th JECFA (2007) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 4 (2007), superseding specifications prepared at the 57th JECFA (2001)and published in the Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications, FAO JECFA Monographs 1 (2005). A group ADI “not specified” for carrageenan and processed Eucheuma seaweed was established at the 57th JECFA (2001).
DESCRIPTION
Light tan to white coarse to fine powder
FUNCTIONAL USES
Thickener, gelling agent, stabilizer, emulsifier

Identification

Solubility (Vol. 4)
Forms cloudy viscous suspensions in water; insoluble in ethanol A 1 g sample disperses and partially dissolves in 100 ml of water at 80º giving a cloudy opalescent solution. (The sample disperses in water more readily if first moistened with alcohol, glycerol, or a saturated solution of glucose or sucrose in water).
Test for sulfate
Dissolve a 100-mg sample in 20 ml of water. Heat to boiling, cool to room temperature, and add 3 ml of barium chloride TS and 5 ml of hydrochloric acid, dilute TS. Filter the mixture. Boil the filtrate for 5 min. A white, crystalline precipitate appears.
Test for galactose and anhydrogalactose (Vol.4)
Proceed as directed in Volume 4 (under "General Methods, Organic Components, Gum Constituents Identification") using the following as reference standards: galactose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, 3,6-anhydrogalactose, mannose, arabinose and xylose. Galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose should be present.
Identification of hydrocolloid and predominant type of copolymer
Add 4 g of sample to 200 ml of water, and heat the mixture in a water bath at 80º, with constant stirring until dissolved. Replace any water lost by evaporation, and allow the solution to cool to room temperature. The solution becomes viscous and may form a gel. To 50 ml of the solution or gel, add 200 mg of potassium chloride, then reheat, mix well, and cool. A short-textured ("brittle") gel indicates a carrageenan of a predominantly kappa-type. A compliant ("elastic") gel indicates a predominantly iota-type.
Infrared absorption
Passes test See description under TESTS
Test: Infrared absorption
Prepare a 0.2% aqueous solution of the sample. Cast films of 0.5 mm thickness (when dry) on a suitable non-sticking surface such as Teflon and obtain the infrared absorption spectrum of each film. (Alternatively, the spectra may be obtained using films cast on potassium bromide plates if care is taken to avoid moisture). Iota- and kappa-carrageenan have strong, broad absorption bands, typical of all polysaccharides, in the 1000 to 1100 cm -1 region. Other characteristic absorption bands and their intensities relative to the absorbance at 1050 cm -1 are as follows: Wave number Molecular Assignment Absorbance Relative (cm -1 ) to 1050 cm -1 Kappa Iota 1220-1260 ester sulfate 0.6-1.0 0.9-1.2 928-933 3,6-anhydrogalactose 0.3-0.6 0.2-0.6 840-850 galactose-4-sulfate 0.3-0.5 0.2-0.4 800-805 3,6-anhydrogalactose- 0.0-0.2 0.2-0.4 2-sulfate

Purity criteria

Loss on drying (Vol. 4)
Not more than 12% (105º to constant weight)
pH (Vol. 4)
Between 8 and 11 (1 in 100 suspension)
Viscosity
Not less than 5 cp at 75º (1.5% solution) See description under TESTS
Sulfate
Not less than 15% and not more than 40% (as SO4 2- ) on the dried basis See description under TESTS
Total ash
Not less than 15% and not more than 30% on the dried basis See description under TESTS
Acid-insoluble ash (Vol. 4)
Not more than 1% Use the ash from the Total ash test
Acid-insoluble matter (Vol. 4)
Not less than 8% and not more than 15% on the dried basis Use 2 g of sample obtained from part (a) of the procedure for sulfate determination
Residual solvents (Vol. 4)
Not more than 0.1% of ethanol, isopropanol, or methanol, singly or in combination See description under TESTS
Microbiological criteria
Initially prepare a 10 -1 dilution by adding a 50 g sample to 450 ml of
(Vol. 4)
Butterfield's phosphate-buffered dilution water and homogenizing the mixture in a high speed blender. Total (aerobic) plate count: Not more than 5000 cfu/g Salmonella spp.: Negative per test E. coli : Negative in 1 g
Arsenic (Vol. 4)
Not more than 3 mg/kg Determine by the atomic absorption hydride technique. Use Method II for sample preparation.
Lead (Vol. 4)
Not more than 5 mg/kg Determine using an AAS/ICP-AES technique appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4 (under "General Methods, Metallic Impurities").
Cadmium (Vol.4)
Not more than 2 mg/kg Determine using an AAS/ICP-AES technique appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4 (under "General Methods, Metallic Impurities").
Mercury (Vol.4)
Not more than 1 mg/kg Determine by the cold vapour atomic absorption technique
Test: Sulfate
Principle: Hydrolysed sulfate groups are precipitated as barium sulfate. Procedure: (a) Disperse an accurately weighed 15 g sample of commercial product into 500 ml of 60% w/w isopropanol/water at room temperature. Stir gently for 4 h. Filter through ash-free filter paper. Discard the filtrate. Wash the material remaining on the filter paper with two 15-ml portions of 60% isopropanol/water. Dry the material at 105º to constant weight. Approximately 1 g of the dried matter is to be used for part (b). The remainder should be retained for determination of Total ash, Acid-insoluble matter, and viscosity. (b) Accurately weigh a 1 g sample (W1 ) obtained from part (a), Transfer the sample to a 100-ml long-neck round-bottom flask and add 50 ml of 0.2 N hydrochloric acid. Fit a condenser, preferably one with at least 5 condensing bulbs, to the flask and reflux for 1 h. Add 25 ml of a 10% (by volume) hydrogen peroxide solution and resume refluxing for about 5 h or until the solution becomes completely clear. Transfer the solution to a 600-ml beaker, bring to a boil, and add dropwise 10 ml of a 10% barium chloride solution. Heat the reaction mixture for 2 h on a boiling water bath. Filter the mixture through ash-free slow-filtration filter paper. Wash with boiling distilled water until the filtrate is free from chloride. Dry the filter paper and contents in a drying oven. Gently burn and ash the paper at 800° in a tared porcelain or silica crucible until the ash is white. Cool in a desiccator. Weigh the crucible containing the ash. Calculate the percentage sulfate from the weight in g (W2) of the ash (barium sulfate) using the formula: (W2/W1) x 100 x 0.4116.
Test: Total ash
Accurately weigh 2 g of the dried sample (W1) obtained from part (a) under the procedure for Sulfate determination. Transfer to a previously ignited, tared, silica or platinum crucible. Heat the sample with a suitable infrared lamp, increasing the intensity gradually, until the sample is completely charred; continue heating for an additional 30 min. Transfer the crucible with charred sample into a muffle furnace and ignite at about 550º for 1 h. Cool in a desiccator and weigh. Repeat the ignition in the muffle furnace until a constant weight (W2) is obtained. If a carbon-free ash is not obtained after the first ignition, moisten the charred spot with a 1 in 10 solution of ammonium nitrate and dry under an infrared lamp. Repeat the ignition step. Calculate the percentage of total ash of the sample: (W2/W1) x 100. Retain the ash for the Acid-insoluble ash test .
Test: Viscosity
Transfer 7.5 g of the dried sample obtained from part (a) under the procedure for sulfate determination into a tared, 600-ml tall-form (Berzelius) beaker, and disperse with agitation for 10 to 20 min in 450 ml of deionized water. Add sufficient water to bring the final weight to 500 g and heat in a water bath, with continuous agitation, until a temperature of 80º is reached (20-30 min). Add 7.5 g of diatomaceous earth or perlite filter aid. Stir for two minutes. Add water to adjust for loss by evaporation. Filter the solution through a Büchner funnel (pre-heated with hot water to 80º) equipped with a coarse filter paper. Place the filter assembly in a vacuum receiver bottle. Filter 200 ml of solution. Cool to 76-77º, and heat in a constant temperature bath at 75º. Pre-heat the bob and guard of a Brookfield LVF viscometer to approximately 75º in water. Dry the bob and guard and attach them to the viscometer, which should be equipped with a No. 1 spindle (19 mm in diameter, approximately 65 mm in length) and capable of rotating at 30 rpm. Adjust the height of the bob in the sample solution, start the viscometer rotating at 30 rpm and, after six complete revolutions of the viscometer, take the viscometer reading on the 0-100 scale. If the viscosity is very low, increased precision may be obtained by using the Brookfield UL (ultra low) adapter or equivalent. Record the results in centipoises, obtained by multiplying the reading on the scale by the factor given by the Brookfield manufacturer.
Test: Residual solvents (Vol. 4)
See Method 1 under Vol. 4. General Methods, Organic Components, Residual Solvents. Prepare standard, blank, and calibration solutions as directed under Method1. Sample Preparation Disperse 1 ml of a suitable antifoam emulsion, such as Dow-Corning G-10 or equivalent, in 200 ml of water contained in a 1000-ml 24/40 round-bottom distilling flask. Add about 5 g of the sample, accurately weighed, and shake for 1 h on a wrist -action mechanical shaker. Connect the flask to a fractionating column and distil about 100 ml, adjusting the heat so that the foam does not enter the column. Quantitatively transfer the distillate to a 200-ml volumetric flask, fill to the mark with water and shake the flask to mix. Weigh accurately 8.0 g of this solution into an injection vial. Add 1.0 ml of the internal standard solution. Heat at 60º for 10 min and shake vigorously for 10 sec.

FAO JECFA Monograph 4 (2007)

Authorised in other additives, enzymes, flavourings and nutrients

These authorisations are not for use in food. They let this substance be used inside another additive, a food enzyme, a flavouring or a nutrient preparation — often as a carrier — and it reaches food only as part of that product. Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.

PartMay be used inMaximum levelCitation
Annex III, Part 2: Food additives other than carriers in food additivesAll food additive preparationsAuthorised as a member of Table 1 of Part 6, listed as "Table 1" Note (1): Except enzymes authorised as food additives.quantum satisRegulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 2, via Table 1 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 3: Food additives including carriers in food enzymesFood enzymesNote (1): Including enzymes authorised as food additives.In enzyme preparation: quantum satis In final food except beverages: quantum satis In beverages: quantum satisRegulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 3
Annex III, Part 4: Food additives including carriers in food flavouringsAll flavouringsAuthorised as a member of Table 1 of Part 6, listed as "Table 1"quantum satisRegulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 4, via Table 1 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 5, Section A: Food additives added in nutrients except in nutrients intended to be used in foodstuffs listed in Part E, point 01.10, of Annex II and foodstuffs for infants and young children listed in Part E, point 13.1, of Annex IIAll nutrientsCan be used as a carrier: Yesquantum satisRegulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 5, Section A

Every name it appears under

44 recorded names. A label may use any of them.

E number

  • E407a

INS number

  • 407a

As it appears in regulation

  • Processed euchema seaweed

Other names

  • E 407a
  • Processed euchema seaweed
  • PROCESSED EUCHEUMA SEAWEED (PES)

Hazard reference values

EFSA and JECFA have both assessed Processed eucheuma seaweed (PES) and their conclusions are not two comparable figures — EFSA records 75 mg/kg bw/day, JECFA not specified. An acceptable daily intake is a reference value set by a committee, not a threshold above which harm begins. “Not specified”, “not limited” and “not allocated” are conclusions, not missing data, and they are shown in the words each body used rather than reduced to a number. See where the two committees differ.

Values set by assessing bodies. A body that has not set a value is not listed here.
TypeValuePopulationAssessed byOpinion
ADI75 mg/kg bw/dayconsumersEFSA ANS2018
ADInot specified—JECFA2007

Evidence and how bodies read it

What assessing bodies concluded

Each conclusion is paraphrased in the body's own framing, from the published opinion linked beneath it. Where bodies differ, both stand; this site does not adjudicate between them or add a view of its own.

  1. EFSA 2018

    The ANS Panel found no concern for genotoxicity or carcinogenicity for carrageenan (E 407) and processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a), but noted uncertainties in the chemistry, exposure and toxicological data. It concluded that the group ADI of 75 mg/kg bw/day should be considered temporary while the database is improved within five years.

    Source document

Common questions

Assembled from what is above, in the words the questions are usually asked in. Each answer is the same statement the relevant section makes, with the same citations behind it.

What is E 407a?
E 407a is Processed eucheuma seaweed (PES). Processed Eucheuma seaweed is a less refined relative of carrageenan, made by washing the seaweed with alkali rather than extracting the polysaccharide out of it. It is used in dairy products and processed meats.
What is Processed eucheuma seaweed (PES) used for in food?
It is listed as an emulsifier, a gelling agent and a thickener — the role Codex assigns it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Processed eucheuma seaweed (PES) permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, the EU, Great Britain and the Codex standard permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.
Is Processed eucheuma seaweed (PES) vegan?
Yes. Processed eucheuma seaweed (PES) is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • anz retrieved 2026-10-17
  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gsfa retrieved 2026-09-07
  • euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18
  • jecfaspecs retrieved 2026-09-23

Full licence terms and publisher details on Sources. How this page is built and updated: Method.

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