E405 Propylene glycol alginate
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Every diet
Brown-seaweed alginate joined to synthetic propane-1,2-diol. It is not an animal fat.
Full answer ›A gum used by the fraction of a percent. It does not add meaningful carbs.
Fine for most people at normal amounts.
Rules by country
The US allows this ester under 21 CFR 172.858, with a cap in each food. Frozen dairy desserts stop at 0.5 percent, and relishes stop at 0.6 percent. EFSA's 2018 review set a daily limit of 55 mg per kg of body weight and found estimated diets stay under it. JECFA's earlier limit is 70 mg per kg. Health Canada allows it in salad dressing and beer at good manufacturing practice, and sets parts-per-million caps in cheese and ice cream.
How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)
Based on 55 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 1.1 g a day.
What is it?
Makers esterify alginic acid from brown seaweed with propane-1,2-diol. Up to 85 percent of the acid groups can be tied up that way. The gum still thickens. US rules allow it in relishes, and Health Canada allows it in salad dressing.
Where it comes from: Alginic acid is extracted from brown seaweed. Some of its acid groups are then esterified with propane-1,2-diol, so the seaweed gum still forms the backbone.
Why it’s in food
- Keeps oil and vinegar mixed in salad dressing
- Stabilizes beer
- Thickens relishes and sweet sauces
- Smooths ice cream and sherbet
Often found in
Also listed as: Propane-1,2-diol alginate, Propylene glycol ester of alginic acid, 1,2-Propanediol alginate, PGA, E405
Health & gut impact
EFSA set a limit of 55 mg per kg of body weight per day and found that estimated diets stay under it. The panel saw no safety concern at the authorized amounts.
EFSA re-evaluation of propane-1,2-diol alginate (E 405), 2018
In the body it splits into alginic acid and propane-1,2-diol. EFSA built the limit from that propane-1,2-diol, which can make up 45 percent of the additive by weight.
EFSA re-evaluation of propane-1,2-diol alginate (E 405), 2018
What can I use instead?
Related
More emulsifiers:
Common questions
Is propylene glycol alginate antifreeze?
No. EFSA identifies it as propane-1,2-diol alginate. It breaks down into propane-1,2-diol and alginic acid, and the panel found no safety concern at the authorized amounts.
Is it the same as propylene glycol esters of fatty acids?
No. Those esters are E477 and can be made with animal fat. This gum is E405, from seaweed alginate and propane-1,2-diol.
Is Propylene glycol alginate safe?
Generally safe (86/100). The US allows this ester under 21 CFR 172.858, with a cap in each food. Frozen dairy desserts stop at 0.5 percent, and relishes stop at 0.6 percent. EFSA's 2018 review set a daily limit of 55 mg per kg of body weight and found estimated diets stay under it. JECFA's earlier limit is 70 mg per kg. Health Canada allows it in salad dressing and beer at good manufacturing practice, and sets parts-per-million caps in cheese and ice cream.
Is Propylene glycol alginate vegan?
Yes. Brown-seaweed alginate joined to synthetic propane-1,2-diol. It is not an animal fat.
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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
- 21 CFR 172.858 (US FDA)
- EFSA OpenFoodTox: E405
- EFSA re-evaluation of propane-1,2-diol alginate (E 405), 2018
INS 405 · CAS 9005-37-2