E405 — Propylene glycol alginate
E405 (Propylene glycol alginate), a thickener, is rated "watch": fine in moderation. A seaweed-derived thickener and foam stabiliser, chemically modified with propylene glycol. Used in salad dressings, beer foam and ice cream. EFSA re-evaluated it in 2018 and kept it authorised; the modification is what separates it from plain alginate (E401), which carries no concern at all.
Why it's rated “watch”
A seaweed-derived thickener and foam stabiliser, chemically modified with propylene glycol. Used in salad dressings, beer foam and ice cream. EFSA re-evaluated it in 2018 and kept it authorised; the modification is what separates it from plain alginate (E401), which carries no concern at all.
Risk rating: Watch
Mixed evidence or a specific concern (gut, allergy, or contested safety data). Not alarming, but worth keeping an eye on rather than eating without limit.