Is there a reason for the controversy surrounding Carrageenan?

Carrageenan — What have you heard about it?

It might be listed on the label of toothpaste or low-fat yogurt as an ingredient. You might have read a blog warning you to avoid it. There is a lot of discussion about carrageenan. It is important to discern between fact-based and opinion-based discussions about carrageenan in order to filter through the noise.

Carrageenan is an ingredient in natural foods made from red Seaweed. It can be used to thicken desserts and sauces as well as stabilize milk and nutrients. It is used in many home kitchens around the globe for hundreds of years.

Carrageenan has a long history of being used, which supports its safety. This anecdotal evidence alone is not enough. There is a strong body of scientific research that supports carrageenan’s safety. These studies date back to the 1970s, and continue through the present. You can review some of these studies by clicking here. www.fmccarrageenan.com/scientifically-safe/.

Carrageenan controversy: Why?

Let’s return to the watchdogs. Although their advice is useful, it may not be accurate or reliable. It is important to be able recognize the good science behind food safety.

JECFA is a trusted organization that can analyze and identify high-quality science. It is an independent review panel that has been established by the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization to assess the safety and quality of food additives. The committee’s decisions are used to inform regulators around the world.

JECFA recently reexamined all carrageenan-related studies, including decades of data that support its safety and a few flawed studies that question it. It concluded that it can be used in food. The committee weighed in heavily on a new study about carrageenan in infant formulation. Carrageenan should be safe for infants and the most sensitive populations. More information is available at FoodScienceMatters.com.

Food is social. We expect and want public discussion. We must be very careful about how that discussion can affect our health and well being. Instead of following the opinions and thoughts of others, we should take a closer look at the information we are getting and ensure that we seek facts to back up our decisions.