Is carrageenan (E407) halal?

What is E407?

Carrageenan is a family of gelling gums extracted from red seaweeds, today mostly Eucheuma and Kappaphycus species. The seaweed is treated with hot water or dilute alkali, and the gum is recovered by alcohol precipitation, drum drying or gelling with potassium chloride.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Carrageenan comes only from seaweed, so its source raises no halal question. The one point to know is processing: some producers recover the gum with alcohol, which is removed during drying. This is a processing step, not an ingredient, and carrageenan is generally regarded as halal.

How to check the label

No special check is needed for carrageenan itself. It may be listed as E407 or carrageenan; E407a (processed Eucheuma seaweed) is a less refined form made from the same seaweeds.

Where you'll find it

• flavoured milk drinks
• dairy desserts
• ice cream
• cooked meat products
• plant-based milks

Good to know

• In 2018 EFSA kept the group ADI of 75 mg per kg body weight per day for E407 and E407a, but called it temporary until more data were provided.
• EFSA's 2018 opinion noted that EU law does not authorise carrageenan in infant formula.

Similar additives

• E401 Sodium alginate Generally halal
• E406 Agar Generally halal
• E410 Locust bean gum (carob) Generally halal
• E412 Guar gum Generally halal
• E415 Xanthan gum Generally halal
• E440 Pectin Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of carrageenan E407 and E407a (2018)
2. EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012

Frequently asked questions