Sodium Alginate E401
natural β Primarily seaweed-derived.
Sodium alginate
CAS: 9005-38-3
Factual Regulatory Reference
This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
? Did You Know?
Sodium Alginate occurs naturally in Brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae) and Kelp (Laminaria species). Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.
Sodium Alginate is derived from seaweed, a practice that originated centuries ago in East Asian cooking traditions.
Beyond food, Sodium Alginate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Widely permitted in most food categories
Official EFSA LinkUnited States (FDA)
Regulated as a direct food additive under FDA CFR titles.
Japan (MHLW)
Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Natural Occurrence
The sodium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Most commonly used form of alginate due to its excellent water solubility.
Manufacturing
Extracted from brown seaweed using sodium carbonate solution, which directly produces sodium alginate. Filtered, purified, and spray-dried into powder.
Applications Beyond Food
Used in face masks, toothpaste, and hair styling products.
Used in antacid formulations and as a tablet disintegrant.
Used in textile printing, paper coatings, and ceramics.
Popular in molecular gastronomy for creating caviar-like spheres