YenzoWhat is E404 (calcium alginate)?
Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists calcium alginate (INS 404) with the functions thickener, antifoaming agent, bulking agent, carrier, gelling agent, glazing agent, humectant, sequestrant and stabilizer.
E404Calcium alginate
E404 is calcium alginate, the calcium salt of alginic acid. Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists it with many functions, among them thickener, stabilizer and gelling agent.
Did you know? Most of the world's alginate comes from two brown seaweed species, Macrocystis pyrifera and Ascophyllum nodosum; some other genera, such as Laminaria and Fucus, also contain alginates.
- Code
- E404 · INS 404
- Group
- Thickener, Stabilizer, Gelling agent
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 E404 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, thickener (404), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
thickener (404)thickener 404E404INS 404On Vietnamese labels: Calci alginat
Calcium alginate in food
Questions about calcium alginate
Is calcium alginate harmful?
In 2017, re-evaluating alginic acid and its sodium, potassium, ammonium and calcium salts (E 400–E 404), EFSA concluded that there is no need for a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) and no safety concern at the refined exposure assessment for the reported uses. The main sources of intake were processed fruit and vegetables and meat products.
Is calcium alginate permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. Calcium alginate (INS 404) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have E404?
In 2017 EFSA concluded that the exposure of infants and young children to alginic acid and its salts (E 400–E 404) from these additives should stay below the therapeutic dosages at which side effects could occur. For foods for special medical purposes for infants and young children (categories 13.1.5.1 and 13.1.5.2), EFSA said 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 lowE405Propane-1,2-diol alginatelowE406Agarvery lowE407Carrageenanmoderate
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:e404)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- EFSA Journal (2017). Re-evaluation of alginic acid and its sodium, potassium, ammonium and calcium salts (E 400-E 404) as food additives