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Agar (E 406)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Agar (E 406) is a gel-forming fiber extracted from red seaweeds. It sets jellies, custards and some confectionery.

What the evidence review says

Agar is a gelling fiber from red seaweed, used in jellies and desserts. EFSA found no safety concern for the general population at the uses it could assess, with no genotoxicity or cancer concern in animal studies. EFSA had use data for only some food categories, so exposure elsewhere is less certain. Large amounts are linked with a laxative effect.

No safety concern for the general population at the reported uses EFSA could assess. Studies found no genotoxicity concern and no carcinogenic effects at the highest doses tested in mice and rats. A human study of daily agar intake over 12 weeks found it was tolerated. EFSA could assess use levels for only 7 of about 70 authorised food categories, so exposure in unreported categories is less certain. Large amounts can have a bulk-forming, laxative effect.

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.