FDA Confirms Safety Of Carrageenan

In response to a 2008 citizens petition from Dr. Joanne K. Tobacman, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that the alleged claims made by Dr. Tobacman do not adequately support the revocation of 21 CFR 172.620, permitting the use of carrageenan for direct addition to food. Although the response was issued in June 2012, FDA’s letter was only made readily available to the public on Nov. 29, 2012.

CP Kelco, a world-leading carrageenan and food ingredient producer, commends the research and response by the FDA in validating the safety of the ingredient.

“CP Kelco, as now re-confirmed by the US government, has always believed in the safety, function and acceptance of carrageenan for use in food, beverages, toothpastes, pet foods, other applications; and 150 years of safe use as a food additive,” said Klaus Bjerrum, carrageenan product category director for CP Kelco.

In the response document, the FDA references several studies that contradict allegations from Dr. Tobacman that carrageenan is unsafe in food, and further concludes that the data in the studies referenced by Dr. Tobacman are not relevant “to exposure from human consumption of food containing the direct food additives in question.”

“As a leader in the food ingredient industry, we strive to stay at the forefront of health, safety and regulatory activities. We applaud the response of the FDA, and support their conclusions. Our goal is to ensure our customers and consumers have the most reliable information available to make educated and safe purchase choices,” said Charles Bowman, VP-marketing, CP Kelco.

More info: www.cpkelco.com