stabiliser INS 405

Propylene Glycol Alginate E405

natural-derived — Primarily seaweed-derived.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved
🇺🇸 USA: Approved
🇯🇵 Japan: Approved
🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved
🇨🇦 Canada: Approved
Scientific Name

Propylene glycol alginate

CAS: 9005-37-2

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?

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

Beyond food, Propylene Glycol 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

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: varies by food category mg/kg

Maximum levels set for specific food categories; typically 3000-8000 mg/kg

Official EFSA Link
🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Maximum use level of 0.5% in beer and malt beverages

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–25 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

25 mg/kg bw/day

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical modification

Produced by esterifying alginic acid (extracted from brown seaweed) with propylene oxide under alkaline conditions, followed by purification and drying.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in cosmetic emulsions and personal care products.

Medical

Used in pharmaceutical formulations as an emulsifier and stabilizer.

Industrial

Used in textile printing and paper coatings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Propylene Glycol Alginate (E405)?
Propylene Glycol Alginate (E405) is a stabiliser used in food products. It is natural-derived and seaweed-derived. A chemically modified form of alginic acid esterified with propylene glycol. It retains the natural seaweed origin but is chemically modified to improve acid stability and emulsifying properties.
What is the ADI for Propylene Glycol Alginate?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Propylene Glycol Alginate is 0–25 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
What foods contain Propylene Glycol Alginate?
Propylene Glycol Alginate is used in various food categories including Flavoured fermented milk products, Cider and perry. It is used as a stabiliser in these products.
Is Propylene Glycol Alginate the same as PGA?
Yes, Propylene Glycol Alginate is also known as PGA, Propane-1,2-diol alginate. These are different names for the same substance.