E402 is potassium alginate, the potassium salt of alginic acid. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists it with many functions, among them thickener, stabilizer and gelling agent.
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, thickener (402), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists potassium alginate (INS 402) with the functions bulking agent, carrier, emulsifier, foaming agent, gelling agent, glazing agent, humectant, sequestrant, stabilizer and thickener.
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.
Yes. Potassium alginate (INS 402) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
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.
Updated 21 October 2026
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