Potassium alginate
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Description
E402, known as potassium alginate, is a food additive classified as a thickener, gelling agent, and stabilizer. It is obtained from brown algae (Phaeophyceae), mainly species of the genera Laminaria, Macrocystis, and Ascophyllum. Industrially, the algae are treated with an alkaline solution to extract alginic acid, which is then purified and converted into the potassium salt by adding potassium hydroxide.
The final product is a fibrous powder ranging from white to yellowish, odorless and tasteless, soluble in water forming viscous solutions. Its main function is to thicken and gel foods, providing texture and stability.
It was approved as a food additive in the European Union after evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) established by EFSA is 70 mg/kg body weight per day for alginates (E400-E404). WHO also supports this ADI.
Regarding food safety, potassium alginate is considered safe for the general population, with no significant adverse effects at authorized use levels. On product labels, it must appear as "potassium alginate" or "E402".
E402 is used in a wide variety of food categories as a thickener, gelling agent, and stabilizer. According to EC Regulation 1333/2008, it is authorized in products such as dairy desserts, ice cream, sauces, soups, bakery products, confectionery, beverages, and dietetic foods.
In the Spanish market, it is found in custards, flans, yogurts, jams, vegetable creams, ice cream, and industrial pastry products. Maximum use levels vary by category, generally between 0.5 and 10 g/kg, although in some products quantum satis (sufficient amount) is allowed. Comparatively, the FDA classifies it as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) and permits its use without specific limits in most foods. Japan also authorizes it as a thickener. There are no significant differences in international regulations.
Documented side effects of potassium alginate are minimal. Studies in animals and humans have not shown significant acute or chronic toxicity. At very high doses (far above the ADI), it could have a laxative effect due to its ability to retain water in the intestine, but this is not relevant at the amounts used in foods.
No specific allergies to potassium alginate have been reported, although people with sensitivity to algae could react. No interactions with medications are known. EFSA and WHO conclude that potassium alginate is safe for the general population, including children and pregnant women, at authorized use levels.
No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic effects have been established.
- Potassium alginate
- Potassium alginate
- Alginic acid potassium salt
Products in our Spanish database containing this additive
Examples found in ComerClaro Spanish product database
Product names and supermarket data may appear in Spanish.
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