Food Safety Substance
Sodium alginateE401
Sodium alginate (E401) is a food additive with PUBLISHED in the EU, Notice does not provide a basis for a GRAS determination in the US, and data from 9 regulatory sources.
CAS 9005-38-3
E401
Indexable evidence set
FDA
Notice does not provide a basis for a GRAS determination
ADI / TDI
ADI NOT SPECIFIED
Codex
22 row(s)
SOURCE
D1 identity resolution
e number aliases | Food Additives | dsstox identifiers | 9 matched regulatory source group(s)
Substance Identity
Resolved identifiers used to render this food-safety record.
Substance name
Sodium alginate
CAS
9005-38-3
E-number
E401
DTXSID
DTXSID0040410
Evidence tier
Indexable evidence set (12)
SOURCE
EU Commission
FDA | Health Canada | Codex Alimentarius
Multi-Jurisdiction Comparison
Side-by-side status rows for the same resolved substance across public food regulators.
| Jurisdiction | Authority | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | EU Commission | PUBLISHED | EU additive listing; Annex II entry |
| United States | FDA | Notice does not provide a basis for a GRAS determination | GRAS notice |
| Canada | Health Canada | Listed | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent |
| Codex | Codex Alimentarius | Listed | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer;... |
SOURCE
EU Commission
EU Food Additives | EU Food Additives Database
EU Food Additive Status
EU Commission food-additive listing rows from eu_food_additives.
| Jurisdiction | E-number | Status | Type | Name | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | E401 | PUBLISHED | substanceFAD | Sodium alginate | - |
SOURCE
EU Commission
EU Annex II Authorised | EU Food Additives Database
EU Annex II Authorised Uses
Authorised additive rows and use conditions from EU Annex II tables.
| Jurisdiction | E-number | Name | INS | Policy item | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | E401 | Sodium alginate | - | POL-FAD-IMPORT-3128 | - |
Conditions and restrictions
| Jurisdiction | Food category | Restriction | Comment | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | quantum 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... | EU Annex II Union List |
| European Union | 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | ML 500 mg/kg | only desserts and puddings | EU Annex II Union List |
| European Union | 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | - | For uses in nutrient preparations under the condition that the maximum level in foods mentioned in point 13.1.3 of Part E of Annex II is not exceeded | EU Annex II Union List |
| European Union | - | ML 1000 mg/kg | from four months onwards in special food products with adapted composition, required for metabolic disorders and for general tube-feeding | EU Annex II Union List |
| European Union | - | ML 1000 mg/kg | from four months onwards in special food products with adapted composition, required for metabolic disorders and for general tube-feeding | EU Annex II Union List |
| European Union | 1.6.1 unflavoured pasteurised cream (excluding reduced fat creams) | quantum satis | - | EU Food Additives Database |
| European Union | 4.1.2 peeled cut and shredded fruit and vegetables | ML 2400 | only prepacked refrigerated unproccessed fruit and vegetables ready for consumption, to be sold to the final consumer | EU Food Additives Database |
| European Union | 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | quantum 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... | EU Food Additives Database |
| European Union | 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | ML 500 mg/kg | only desserts and puddings | EU Food Additives Database |
| European Union | 13.1.3 Processed cereal-based foods and baby foods as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 | - | For uses in nutrient preparations under the condition that the maximum level in foods mentioned in point 13.1.3 of Part E of Annex II is not exceeded | EU Food Additives Database |
| European Union | - | ML 1000 mg/kg | from four months onwards in special food products with adapted composition, required for metabolic disorders and for general tube-feeding | EU Food Additives Database |
| European Union | - | ML 1000 mg/kg | from four months onwards in special food products with adapted composition, required for metabolic disorders and for general tube-feeding | EU Food Additives Database |
SOURCE
Codex Alimentarius
Codex GSFA
Codex GSFA Status
Codex Alimentarius GSFA permissions and maximum-use rows.
| Jurisdiction | INS / E-number | Function | Food category | Max level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 01.2.1.1 Fermented milks (plain), not heat-treated after fermentation | GMP | For use in reconstituted and recombined products only.; For use as a stabilizer or thickener only. |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 01.2.1.2 Fermented milks (plain), heat-treated after fermentation | GMP | For use as a stabilizer or thickener only. |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 01.2.2 Renneted milk (plain) | GMP | - |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 01.4.1 Pasteurized cream (plain) | GMP | Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cream and Prepared Creams (reconstituted cream, recombined cream, prepackaged liquid cream) (CODEX STAN 288-1976). |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 01.4.2 Sterilized and UHT creams, whipping and whipped creams, and reduced fat creams (plain) | GMP | - |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 04.1.1.2 Surface-treated fresh fruit | GMP | For use as a glaze where such surface treatment is allowed for application to the surface of fresh fruit.; For use in waxes, coatings or glazes where these surface treatments are... |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 04.2.1.2 Surface-treated fresh vegetables (including mushrooms and fungi, roots and tubers, pulses and legumes, and aloe vera), seaweeds, and nuts and seeds | GMP | For use as a glaze where such surface treatment is allowed for application to the surface of fresh vegetables, seaweeds or nuts and seeds.; For use in waxes, coatings or glazes... |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 06.4.1 Fresh pastas and noodles and like products | GMP | For use in noodles only. |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 06.4.2 Dried pastas and noodles and like products | GMP | For use in noodles, gluten-free pasta and pasta intended for hypoproteic diets only. |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 08.1.1 Fresh meat, poultry, and game, whole pieces or cuts | GMP | For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.; For use in fresh meat, poultry and game products only. |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 08.1.2 Fresh meat, poultry, and game, comminuted | GMP | For use in fresh minced meat which contains other ingredients apart from comminuted meat only. |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 09.2.1 Frozen fish, fish fillets, and fish products, including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms | GMP | Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Lobsters (CODEX STAN 95-1981).; Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Finfish... |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 09.2.2 Frozen battered fish, fish fillets, and fish products, including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms | GMP | For general use as a glazing agent.; For non-standardized food and for use as a humectant in products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish... |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 09.2.3 Frozen minced and creamed fish products, including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms | GMP | - |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 09.2.4.1 Cooked fish and fish products | GMP | For general use in surimi products.; For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only. |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 09.2.4.2 Cooked mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms | GMP | For general use in surimi products.; For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only. |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 09.2.4.3 Fried fish and fish products, including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms | GMP | For use in breading or batter coatings only.; For general use in surimi products.; For general use as a glazing agent. |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 09.2.5 Smoked, dried, fermented, and/or salted fish and fish products, including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms | GMP | Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Smoked Fish, Smoked-flavoured Fish and Smoke-dried Fish (CODEX STAN 311-2013).; Excluding products conforming to the Standard for... |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 10.2.1 Liquid egg products | GMP | - |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 10.2.2 Frozen egg products | GMP | - |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 11.4 Other sugars and syrups (e.g. xylose, maple syrup, sugar toppings) | GMP | Excluding maple syrup. |
| Codex | 401 | Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener | 14.1.5 Coffee, coffee substitutes, tea, herbal infusions, and other hot cereal and grain beverages, excluding cocoa | GMP | For use in ready-to-drink products and pre-mixes for ready-to-drink products only. |
SOURCE
FDA
FDA GRAS
FDA GRAS Status
US FDA GRAS notice evidence from enriched and notice tables.
| Jurisdiction | GRN | Substance | FDA response | Intended use | Basis | Notifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 328 | Polysaccharide complex of konjac glucomannan (konjac), sodium alginate, and xanthan gum (polysaccharide complex KAX) | Notice does not provide a basis for a GRAS determination | Ingredient in yogurts, milk shakes and fruit smoothie-type drinks, frozen yogurt, ice cream bars, puddings, white and whole wheat breads, cookies, breakfast bars, granola-type... | Scientific procedures | Inovo Biologic, Inc. |
| United States | 407 | Polysaccharide complex of konjac glucomannan (konjac), sodium alginate, and xanthan gum (polysaccharide complex KAX) | FDA has no questions | Use at levels up to seven percent as an ingredient to provide dietary fiber or to provide thickening or a stabilizing effect in yogurts, milk shakes and fruit smoothie-type... | Scientific procedures | Inovo Biologic, Inc. |
| United States | 328 | Polysaccharide complex of konjac glucomannan (konjac), sodium alginate, and xanthan gum (polysaccharide complex KAX) | Notice does not provide a basis for a GRAS determination | Ingredient in yogurts, milk shakes and fruit smoothie-type drinks, frozen yogurt, ice cream bars, puddings, white and whole wheat breads, cookies, breakfast bars, granola-type... | Scientific procedures | Inovo Biologic, Inc. |
| United States | 407 | Polysaccharide complex of konjac glucomannan (konjac), sodium alginate, and xanthan gum (polysaccharide complex KAX) | FDA has no questions | Use at levels up to seven percent as an ingredient to provide dietary fiber or to provide thickening or a stabilizing effect in yogurts, milk shakes and fruit smoothie-type... | Scientific procedures | Inovo Biologic, Inc. |
SOURCE
Health Canada
Health Canada Status
Health Canada food-additive permissions by functional class and food scope.
| Jurisdiction | Class | Permitted foods | Maximum level | List |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (a)Beer | (a)Good Manufacturing Practice | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (b)Calorie-reduced margarine | (b)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm. If used in any combination with other emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agents, or gelling agents, the total combined amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm. This total combined amount does not include any of gelatin, lecithin, monoglycerides, mono- and diglycerides or sorbitan tristearate that may be added up to their respective maximum levels of use set out in this list. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Thickening agent | (c)Canned asparagus; Canned green beans; Canned peas; Canned wax beans | (c)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 1.0%. If used in any combination with other thickening agents, the total combined amount not to exceed 1.0%. In either case, sodium alginate is only to be used with butter or other edible animal or vegetable fats or oils. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Stabilizing agent | (d)Cottage cheese | (d)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm. If used in any combination with other stabilizing agents, the total combined amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Stabilizing agent | (e)Cream; (Naming the flavour) milk; (Naming the flavour) partly skimmed milk; (Naming the flavour) partly skimmed milk with added milk solids; (Naming the flavour) skim milk; (Naming the flavour) skim milk with added... | (e)Good Manufacturing Practice | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (f)Creamed cottage cheese | (f)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm. If used in any combination with other emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agents, or gelling agents, the total combined amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying agent | (g)French dressing; Salad dressing | (g)Good Manufacturing Practice | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (h)Glaze for frozen fish | (h)Good Manufacturing Practice | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Gelling agent | (i)Headcheese; Meat and meat by-product loaf; Meat binder; Meat by-product loaf; Meat loaf; Meat lunch; Meat roll; Prepared meat or prepared meat by-product; Prepared poultry meat or prepared poultry meat by-product;... | (i)Good Manufacturing Practice | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Stabilizing agent | (j)Ice cream mix | (j)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm of the ice cream. If used in any combination with other stabilizing agents or microcrystalline cellulose in accordance with paragraph M.8(b) of the *List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use*, the total combined amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm of the ice cream. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Stabilizing agent | (k)Ice milk mix | (k)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm of the ice milk. If used in any combination with other stabilizing agents, the total combined amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm of the ice milk. This total combined amount does not include propylene glycol mono fatty acid esters that may be added up to their maximum level of use set out in this list. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (l)Infant formula | (l)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 300 ppm in the infant formula as consumed. If used in any combination with alginic acid, ammonium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate, ammonium carrageenan, calcium carrageenan, carrageenan, potassium carrageenan, sodium carrageenan or guar gum, the total combined amount not to exceed 300 ppm in the infant formula as consumed. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (m)Infant formula based on isolated amino acids or protein hydrolysates, or both | (m)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 1,000 ppm in the infant formula as consumed. If used in any combination with alginic acid, ammonium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate, ammonium carrageenan, calcium carrageenan, carrageenan, potassium carrageenan, sodium carrageenan or guar gum, the total combined amount not to exceed 1,000 ppm in the infant formula as consumed. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (n)Lactose-free infant formula based on milk protein | (n)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 500 ppm in the infant formula as consumed. If used in any combination with alginic acid, ammonium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate, ammonium carrageenan, calcium carrageenan, carrageenan, potassium carrageenan, sodium carrageenan or guar gum, the total combined amount not to exceed 500 ppm in the infant formula as consumed. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Thickening agent | (o)Mustard pickles; Relishes | (o)Good Manufacturing Practice | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (p)Salt | (p)15 ppm. For use in the manufacture of coarse crystal salt. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Stabilizing agent | (q)Sherbet | (q)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 7,500 ppm. If used in any combination with other stabilizing agents, the total combined amount not to exceed 7,500 ppm. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (r)Sour cream | (r)If used singly, the amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm. If used in any combination with other emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agents, or gelling agents, the total combined amount not to exceed 5,000 ppm. This total combined amount does not include any of monoglycerides, mono- and diglycerides, potassium phosphate, dibasic or sodium phosphate, dibasic that may be added up to their respective maximum levels of use set out in this list. | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (s)Unstandardized fish products | (s)Good Manufacturing Practice | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent | (t)Unstandardized foods | (t)Good Manufacturing Practice | List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents |
| Canada | Alginate source to form or to maintain calcium alginate membranes that encapsulate the beverage | - | Good Manufacturing Practice. To be used with calcium lactate. | List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use |
SOURCE
JECFA
JECFA ADI
JECFA ADI Values
JECFA ADI records and evaluation years.
| Jurisdiction | Chemical name | JECFA no. | CAS | ADI | ADI upper | Function | Evaluation year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JECFA | SODIUM ALGINATE | - | 9005-38-3 | NOT SPECIFIED | - | THICKENER, EMULSIFIER, GELLING_AGENT, STABILIZER | 1992 |
SOURCE
ingredients
ghs classifications
Cross-Reference to Cosmetics / Chemicals / Pharma
Same-CAS public rows from adjacent Roots verticals where available.
SOURCE
Cross-vertical comparison
ingredients | ghs classifications
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
This substance has different regulatory treatment across food, cosmetics, and industrial use.
SOURCE
FAQPage JSON-LD
public food renderer rows
Frequently Asked Questions
Food-use, safety, ADI, and cross-vertical answers mirrored into FAQPage JSON-LD.
What is Sodium alginate used for in food?
Sodium alginate appears in food-use rows as: thickener|stabilizer|gelling_agent; Bulking agent; Carrier; Emulsifier; Foaming agent; Gelling agent; Glazing agent; Humectant; Sequestrant; Stabilizer; Thickener; Emulsifying, stabilizing or thickening agent.
Is Sodium alginate / E401 safe?
This page does not assign a standalone safety verdict; it renders public regulatory evidence. ADI/reference value: ADI NOT SPECIFIED . EU status evidence: PUBLISHED. US/FDA evidence: Notice does not provide a basis for a GRAS determination.
What is the ADI for Sodium alginate?
Sodium alginate has this ADI/reference value in the food-safety tables: ADI NOT SPECIFIED . Source: food_substances.
Is Sodium alginate also used in cosmetics?
Sodium alginate has a same-CAS cosmetics cross-reference: Algin, EU status permitted.