stabiliser INS 403

Ammonium Alginate E403

natural β€” Primarily seaweed-derived.

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU: Approved
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA: Approved
πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan: Approved
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί AU/NZ: Approved
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada: Approved
Scientific Name

Ammonium alginate

CAS: 9005-34-9

Data verified: 2026-04-04

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?

Ammonium 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.

Ammonium Alginate is derived from seaweed, a practice that originated centuries ago in East Asian cooking traditions.

Beyond food, Ammonium Alginate is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Widely permitted in most food categories

Official EFSA Link
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Regulated as a direct food additive under FDA CFR titles.

πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: ζ—’ε­˜ζ·»εŠ η‰©

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Natural Occurrence

The ammonium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Less commonly used than sodium or potassium alginates but provides similar functional properties.

Brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae)Kelp (Laminaria species)Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera)

Manufacturing

Method: extraction

Extracted from brown seaweed using ammonium hydroxide solution, or by converting alginic acid with ammonium hydroxide. Filtered, purified, and dried.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in cosmetic formulations as a thickening agent.

Medical

Limited pharmaceutical applications.

Industrial

Used in textile printing applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ammonium Alginate (E403)?
Ammonium Alginate (E403) is a stabiliser used in food products. It is natural and seaweed-derived. The ammonium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Less commonly used than sodium or potassium alginates but provides similar functional properties.
Where is Ammonium Alginate found naturally?
Ammonium Alginate is naturally found in Brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae), Kelp (Laminaria species), Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera). The ammonium salt of alginic acid, extracted from brown seaweed. Less commonly used than sodium or potassium alginates but provides similar functional properties.
What foods contain Ammonium Alginate?
Ammonium Alginate is used in various food categories including Flavoured fermented milk products, Edible ices. It is used as a stabiliser in these products.
Is Ammonium Alginate the same as Ammonium algin?
Yes, Ammonium Alginate is also known as Ammonium algin, Algin ammonium salt. These are different names for the same substance.