YenzoWhat is E400 (alginic acid)?
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists the functions of alginic acid as thickener, bulking agent, carrier, emulsifier, foaming agent, gelling agent, glazing agent, humectant, sequestrant and stabilizer.
E400Alginic acid
E400 is alginic acid. In food it thickens, forms gels and helps keep products stable; its salts are the alginates (E401–E404).
Did you know? EFSA describes alginic acid (E 400) as a polymer extracted from natural strains of various species of brown seaweeds (Phaeophyceae).
- Code
- E400 · INS 400
In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalevery low?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy
How E400 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, thickener (400), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
thickener (400)thickener 400E400INS 400On Vietnamese labels: Acid alginic
Alginic acid in food
Fermented milk, heat-treated after fermentation
Pasteurised cream
Fermented vegetables
Fresh and dried pasta and noodles
Frozen fish and fish productsOther sugars and syrups
Salt substitutes
Coffee, tea and herbal drinksQuestions about alginic acid
Is alginic acid harmful?
In 2017 EFSA concluded that there is no need for a numerical ADI for alginic acid and its salts (E 400–E 404), and that there is no safety concern at the level of the refined exposure assessment for the reported uses.
Is Alginic acid permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Alginic acid (INS 400) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have E400?
EFSA concluded that infants' and young children's exposure to alginic acid and its salts (E 400–E 404) from these additives should stay below therapeutic dosages, at which side-effects could occur. For dietary foods for special medical purposes and special formulae for infants (category 13.1.5.1), and for dietary foods for babies and young children for special medical purposes (category 13.1.5.2), EFSA concluded that the available data did not allow an adequate safety assessment. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.
Other thickeners
E401Sodium alginatevery lowE402Potassium alginatevery lowE403Ammonium alginatevery lowE404Calcium alginatevery lowE405Propane-1,2-diol alginatelowE406Agarvery low
See all thickeners →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (3)
- Open Food Facts additives taxonomy (Yenzo's table cites no EFSA opinion for this code). Open Food Facts additives taxonomy, https://github.com/openfoodfacts/openfoodfacts-server/blob/main/taxonomies/additives.txt (entry en:e400)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 2A: nhóm thực phẩm được phép dùng INS 400
- EFSA Journal (2017). Re-evaluation of alginic acid and its sodium, potassium, ammonium and calcium salts (E 400-E 404) as food additives