Regulatory status
Alginates' composition and use is regulated under food additive law in the EU, and it is GRAS in the USA. It also is included in the International Codex Alimentarius. Particular references include:
FAO/WHO - Codex Alimentarius
Alginic acid and alginates (ammonium, calcium, potassium and sodium salts) have been given an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of "not specified" by the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
European Union
Alginic acid (E 400) and Alginates (E 401 to E 404) are listed in Annex I of the European Parliament and Council Directive 95/2/EC of 20th February 1995 on food additives, and may be used under “quantum satis” conditions in most foods.
United States
The FDA recognizes alginic acid and alginates as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 21).
Cargill's global team of regulatory and food law experts will be glad to provide assistance on regulatory, nutrition-related claims and food law-related issues.
Some Cargill products are only approved for use in certain geographies, end uses, and/or at certain usage levels. It is the customer's responsibility to determine, for a particular geography, that (i) the Cargill product, its use and usage levels, (ii) the customer's product and its use, and (iii) any claims made about the customer's product, all comply with applicable laws and regulations.
