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Sodium Alginate (E 401)

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Sodium alginate (E 401) is a seaweed-based thickener and gelling agent.

What the evidence review says

Sodium alginate is a seaweed-based thickener and gelling agent. EFSA found no safety concern for the general population. It noted that data were not enough to assess special medical foods for infants and young children.

No notable concern for the general population at the refined food-exposure assessment. EFSA said intakes by infants and young children from these additives should stay below the doses used in medicine, at which gut side effects can occur, and that data were not adequate to assess foods for special medical purposes for infants and young children (categories 13.1.5.1 and 13.1.5.2).

Policy note: FDA has proposed a rule (not final) that would require companies to notify FDA before using a food substance on the basis that it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Comments close December 9, 2026. Source: 91 FR 51834, published August 11, 2026, Docket FDA-2025-N-3262 (federalregister.gov, checked 2026-10-19).

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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.