Category: additive
⚠ Controversial ingredient
A hydrocolloid extracted from certain species of red seaweed (Rhodophyceae), used as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent primarily in wet/canned pet foods.
Research has shown that both degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) and food-grade carrageenan can promote intestinal inflammation in animal models. Studies have linked carrageenan exposure to intestinal lesions, ulcerations, and colitis-like symptoms in laboratory animals. While the FDA considers food-grade carrageenan safe, concerns remain about degradation during processing and digestion. The Cornucopia Institute petitioned the USDA to remove carrageenan from organic food standards.