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Send EmailCarragenan, İrlanda Yosunu, Thickener, Irish Moss, E407, 9000-07-1
CARRAGEENAN (E407)
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Carrageenan |
| Chemical Name | Carrageenan (polysaccharide) |
| Synonyms (Turkish) | Karragenan, Kıvamlaştırıcı, İrlanda Yosunu |
| Synonyms (English) | Carrageenan, Irish Moss, E407, Carrageenin |
| CAS Number | 9000-07-1 |
| E Number | E407 |
| Molecular Formula | Variable (polysaccharide) |
| Appearance | White to yellowish powder (refined); Light brown to yellowish powder (semi-refined) |
| Odor | Odorless or slight seaweed odor |
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
Carrageenan
Repeating Disaccharide Units
—(Galactose—3,6-Anhydro-D-galactose)ₙ—
Structure: Natural polysaccharide extracted from red algae (Rhodophyceae); Linear sulfated galactan polymer; Consists of repeating disaccharide units of galactose and 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose; Contains sulfate ester groups; Different types based on sulfate content and position (Kappa, Iota, Lambda).
SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Carrageenan |
| Chemical Name | Carrageenan (polysaccharide) |
| Synonyms (Turkish) | Karragenan, Kıvamlaştırıcı, İrlanda Yosunu |
| Synonyms (English) | Carrageenan, Irish Moss, E407, Carrageenin |
| CAS Number | 9000-07-1 |
| E Number | E407 |
| Molecular Formula | Variable (polysaccharide) |
| Chemical Class | Natural polysaccharide; Sulfated galactan; Hydrocolloid; Polyelectrolyte |
| Source | Red algae (Rhodophyceae family) |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (powder) |
| Odor | Odorless or slight seaweed odor |
| Color | White to yellowish (refined); Light brown to yellowish (semi-refined) |
| Taste | Tasteless |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Test Method / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to yellowish powder (refined); Light brown to yellowish powder (semi-refined) | Visual |
| Odor | Odorless or slight seaweed odor | Olfactometric |
| Molecular Weight | 200,000 – 1,000,000 Da (variable) | GPC |
| pH (1% Solution) | 7.5 – 9.0 | pH Meter |
| Solubility in Cold Water | Soluble (some types) | General Method |
| Solubility in Hot Water (70-80°C) | Soluble (all types) | General Method |
| Solubility in Ethanol | Insoluble | General Method |
| Viscosity (1% Solution) | 50 – 5,000 cP (type and concentration dependent) | Brookfield |
| Gel Strength | Type dependent (Kappa: high; Iota: soft; Lambda: no gel) | Gel Tester |
| Gelation Temperature | 30 – 50°C (Kappa: 40-50°C; Iota: 30-40°C) | – |
| Melting Temperature | 50 – 80°C (Kappa: 55-65°C; Iota: 40-50°C) | – |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 10% (refined); ≤ 12% (semi-refined) | Gravimetric (105°C) |
| Ash Content | ≤ 5% (refined); ≤ 15% (semi-refined) | Gravimetric (800°C) |
| Sulfate Content | ~15 – 40% (type dependent) | – |
| Thixotropic Behavior | Yes (shear-thinning, recovers) | Rheometer |
| Film Formation | Forms transparent, elastic films | – |
| Syneresis | Low (Kappa); Very low (Iota) | – |
| Transparency | High (refined); Low (semi-refined) | – |
SECTION 3: CARRAGEENAN TYPES
| Type | Sulfate Content | Gel Strength | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kappa (κ) | ~25-30% | Strong, rigid, brittle | Dairy products, puddings, desserts (with K⁺) |
| Iota (ι) | ~30-35% | Soft, elastic, transparent | Meat products, jellies, pharmaceuticals (with Ca²⁺) |
| Lambda (λ) | ~35-40% | Non-gelling (thickener) | Dairy, sauces, dressings (no gel) |
Kappa (κ):
Gelation: Forms strong, rigid, brittle gels; Requires potassium ions (K⁺) for gelation; Gels with milk proteins; High syneresis (water release).
Applications: Dairy products (puddings, desserts), processed cheese, gelled desserts.
Iota (ι):
Gelation: Forms soft, elastic, transparent gels; Requires calcium ions (Ca²⁺) for gelation; No syneresis; Thixotropic.
Applications: Meat products, jellies, pharmaceuticals, creams, toothpastes.
Lambda (λ):
Gelation: No gel formation (only thickening); No specific ion requirement; Cold water soluble.
Applications: Dairy products, sauces, dressings, ice cream.
SECTION 4: REFINED VS SEMI-REFINED CARRAGEENAN
| Property | Refined Carrageenan (RC) | Semi-Refined Carrageenan (SRC) |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction | Complete dissolution from seaweed matrix | Partial extraction (cellulose retained) |
| Appearance | White to yellowish powder | Light brown to yellowish powder |
| Transparency | Clear, transparent | Not transparent (opaque) |
| Purity | High (>95% carrageenan) | Lower (contains cellulose, minerals) |
| Gel Strength | High | High |
| Ash Content | ≤ 5% | ≤ 15% |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Applications | Ice cream, beverages, desserts, jellies | Meat products, processed foods, pet food |
SECTION 5: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Character | Natural polysaccharide; Sulfated galactan; Anionic polyelectrolyte; Hydrocolloid |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; Degrades at high temperature (>80°C prolonged); Light sensitive; Hygroscopic |
| Reactivity | Reacts with proteins (dairy products); Gels with K⁺ (kappa) and Ca²⁺ (iota); Compatible with most food ingredients; Precipitates with some cationic polymers |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidizing agents, high temperature (>80°C prolonged), strong acids (hydrolysis) |
| Polymerization | Does not polymerize |
| Degradation Products (Heating) | Carbon dioxide, water, sulfate residues |
| Gelation Mechanism | Helix formation upon cooling; Cross-linking with ions (K⁺, Ca²⁺); Network formation via hydrogen bonding |
| Thixotropic Behavior | Shear-thinning (viscosity decreases under shear); Reversible (viscosity recovers when shear is removed) |
| pH Stability | Stable at pH 4.5 – 10.0; Degrades below pH 3.5 |
| Protein Interaction | Reacts with milk proteins (casein); Forms stable complexes; Prevents syneresis |
| Enzyme Resistance | Resistant to most enzymes (non-digestible fiber) |
SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Gelling Agent | Forms gels upon cooling; Different gel textures (strong/rigid: kappa; soft/elastic: iota); No gel formation (lambda); Requires specific ions for gelation |
| Thickener / Viscosity Enhancer | Increases viscosity of aqueous solutions; Provides body and texture; Used in sauces, dressings, ice cream |
| Stabilizer | Stabilizes emulsions and suspensions; Prevents separation and sedimentation; Used in dairy products, ice cream, beverages |
| Water Retention / Moisture Control | Binds water effectively; Prevents syneresis (water release); Extends shelf life; Improves juiciness in meat products |
| Fat Replacer | Mimics fat texture in low-fat products; Provides creamy mouthfeel; Used in processed meats and dairy |
| Film Former | Forms transparent, elastic films upon drying; Used in edible coatings and capsules |
| Thixotropic Behavior | Shear-thinning (pumpable during processing); Recovers viscosity when shear is removed; Improves processing efficiency |
| Protein Interaction | Interacts with milk proteins (casein); Stabilizes dairy systems; Prevents whey separation |
| Non-Digestible Fiber | Not digested by human enzymes; Acts as soluble dietary fiber |
| Ion Specificity | Kappa: K⁺ ions required for gelation; Iota: Ca²⁺ ions required for gelation; Lambda: no ion requirement |
SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS
| Industry / Application | Function | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy Products | Stabilizer, thickener, gelling agent | Ice cream, milk shakes, yogurt, chocolate milk; Processed cheese, cream cheese; Milk puddings, custards, flans; Whipped cream, creamers |
| Meat & Poultry Products | Water retention, fat replacer, binder | Sausages, salami, ham; Processed meats, canned meats; Meat emulsions, pâtés |
| Confectionery | Gelling agent, stabilizer | Jellies, gummy candies, Turkish delight; Dessert gels, fruit jellies |
| Bakery & Pastry | Moisture retention, anti-staling | Breads, cakes, pastries; Glazes, icings, fillings |
| Beverages | Stabilizer, suspension agent | Chocolate drinks, flavored milk; Juice drinks, smoothies; Beer, wine, vinegar (clarification) |
| Sauces & Dressings | Thickener, stabilizer | Salad dressings, mayonnaise; Sauces, gravies, soups |
| Pharmaceutical | Excipient, binder, gel former | Capsules (vegetable alternatives); Tablets (binder); Dental impressions; Suppositories |
| Cosmetics | Thickener, stabilizer | Toothpaste, creams, lotions; Hair care products, face masks |
| Pet Food | Binder, thickener | Canned pet food, semi-moist pet food |
| Biotechnology | Culture medium | Microbiological culture media |
SECTION 8: SAMPLE FORMULATIONS
Dairy Dessert (Pudding) - 1 L:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 L |
| Sugar | 80 – 120 g |
| Carrageenan (Kappa) | 0.5 – 1.5 g |
| Starch | 10 – 20 g |
| Flavor | To taste |
Instructions: Mix carrageenan with sugar and starch; Add to cold milk with stirring; Heat to 85-90°C while stirring; Maintain temperature for 3-5 minutes; Pour into molds; Cool to room temperature (sets in 1-2 hours); Refrigerate.
Processed Meat (Sausage) - 100 kg:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Meat | 80 kg |
| Water/Ice | 15 – 20 kg |
| Carrageenan (Iota) | 0.5 – 1.5 kg |
| Salt, Spices | To taste |
| Phosphate | 0.3 – 0.5 kg |
Instructions: Grind meat; Add salt and phosphate; Mix with carrageenan and water; Stuff into casings; Cook to internal temperature 72-75°C; Cool.
Ice Cream Stabilizer - 1 L:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Milk/Cream | 1 L |
| Sugar | 100 – 150 g |
| Carrageenan (Lambda) | 0.2 – 0.5 g |
| Emulsifier | 0.1 – 0.3 g |
Instructions: Mix carrageenan with sugar; Add to milk/cream; Heat to 85°C; Homogenize; Cool and churn.
SECTION 9: USAGE INSTRUCTIONS
General Dosing Guide:
| Application | Dosage (g/L or g/kg) | Carrageenan Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream | 0.2 – 0.5 g/L | Lambda | Prevents whey separation |
| Dairy Desserts | 0.5 – 1.5 g/L | Kappa | Gels with milk proteins |
| Processed Meat | 0.5 – 1.5 g/kg | Iota | Water retention, fat replacer |
| Jellies | 2 – 5 g/L | Kappa/Iota | Gel formation |
| Sauces & Dressings | 0.5 – 2 g/L | Lambda | Thickening, stabilization |
| Beverages | 0.1 – 0.3 g/L | Lambda | Suspension, mouthfeel |
Instructions:
Dispersion: Mix carrageenan with sugar or other dry ingredients before adding to liquid (prevents clumping).
Dissolution: Add to cold liquid with stirring; Heat to 70-90°C while stirring; Maintain temperature for 5-10 minutes until fully dissolved; For Kappa/Iota: heat to 80-85°C; For Lambda: 70-75°C is sufficient.
Cooling: For gelling types (Kappa/Iota): Pour into molds; Cool to room temperature (sets); Refrigerate for improved gel strength.
Ion Addition: For Kappa: add 0.1-0.5% KCl for gelation; For Iota: add 0.1-0.5% CaCl₂ for gelation.
SECTION 10: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS
| Parameter | Refined Grade (E407) | Semi-Refined Grade | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to yellowish powder | Light brown to yellowish powder | Visual |
| pH (1% Solution) | 7.5 – 9.0 | 7.5 – 9.0 | pH Meter |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 10% | ≤ 12% | Gravimetric (105°C) |
| Ash Content | ≤ 5% | ≤ 15% | Gravimetric (800°C) |
| Sulfate Content | 15 – 40% (type dependent) | 15 – 40% | – |
| Viscosity (1% Solution) | Type dependent | Type dependent | Brookfield |
| Gel Strength | Type dependent | Type dependent | Gel Tester |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 3 ppm | ≤ 5 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 5 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm | AAS / ICP |
| Salmonella | Absent | Absent | Microbiological |
| E. coli | Absent | Absent | Microbiological |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 5,000 CFU/g | ≤ 10,000 CFU/g | Microbiological |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100 CFU/g | ≤ 200 CFU/g | Microbiological |
SECTION 11: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 10,000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity | Non-irritating |
| Acute Inhalation Toxicity | Mild irritation (dust) |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating |
| Eye Irritation | May cause mechanical irritation (powder) |
| Chronic Toxicity | Non-toxic; FDA GRAS status; Food additive E407 |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic |
| Reproductive Toxicity | No reproductive toxicity |
| Allergenicity | Not a known allergen (but from seaweed) |
| Target Organs | None (non-toxic) |
| Special Toxicity Note | Non-toxic; FDA GRAS status; WHO JECFA approved; Food additive E407; Non-digestible soluble fiber; Some studies on degradation products (not conclusive); High doses may cause mild laxative effects; Not a common allergen; Gluten-free; Plant-based (seaweed source) |
SECTION 12: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING
GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Not classified as hazardous | – | – |
SIGNAL WORD: NONE (not classified as hazardous)
Hazard Pictograms: NONE
Hazard Statements (H-Codes): Not classified as hazardous under GHS regulations.
NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:
| Health | Flammability | Reactivity | Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | - |
| (Slight health hazard – dust) | (Combustible – dust may form explosive mixture) | (Stable) | (None) |
SECTION 13: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray |
| P264 | Wash hands thoroughly after handling |
| P271 | Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing |
| P312 | Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell |
| P332+P313 | If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention |
| P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention |
| P362+P364 | Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse |
| P403+P233 | Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations |
SECTION 14: FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air immediately. If respiratory irritation develops (dust inhalation), seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. If irritation persists, get medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. Generally non-toxic. If large quantities are ingested and symptoms occur, seek medical attention. |
SECTION 15: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Combustible organic material. Dust cloud may form explosive mixture with air (if finely dispersed). |
| Hazards Arising from Fire | Thermal decomposition produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide (due to sulfate groups). |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | Water spray, CO₂, dry chemical powder, foam. |
| Unsuitable Extinguishing Media | Water jet (may spread dust) |
| Special Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing (for surrounding fire). |
| Special Precautions | Prevent dust from entering sewers and waterways. Avoid dust cloud formation. |
SECTION 16: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Refined Grade | Semi-Refined Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; PROTECT FROM MOISTURE and high humidity; Keep away from direct sunlight and high temperatures | Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; PROTECT FROM MOISTURE and high humidity |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed, moisture-proof containers (plastic bags, fiber drums, paper bags with PE liner) | Tightly closed, moisture-proof containers |
| Materials to Protect From | Moisture, high humidity, strong oxidizing agents, direct heat sources | Moisture, high humidity |
| Shelf Life | 24 – 36 months (in unopened original packaging, under proper storage conditions) | 24 – 36 months |
| Stability Note | Hygroscopic – absorbs moisture; Light sensitive; Keep container tightly closed after opening; Protect from excessive humidity and temperature fluctuations | Hygroscopic – absorbs moisture; Keep container tightly closed after opening |
| Special Storage Requirements | Store in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse; Avoid exposure to rain, sun, and moisture; Opened containers must be resealed immediately | Same as refined grade |
SECTION 17: PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-layer Paper Bag | 10 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg | PE-lined kraft paper bag (moisture-proof) |
| Plastic Bag | 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg | PE bag (inner-lined, sealed, moisture-proof) |
| Fiber Drum | 20 kg, 25 kg | PE-lined fiberboard drum |
| Plastic Drum | 25 kg, 50 kg | HDPE / Polypropylene (moisture-proof) |
| FIBC / Big Bag | 500 kg, 1000 kg | PE-lined, moisture-resistant PP woven bag |
| Small Pack | 1 kg, 5 kg | Foil-lined plastic bags (laboratory/sample) |
SECTION 18: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not regulated (non-hazardous) |
| Hazard Class | Not applicable |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated |
| IMDG Code | Not regulated (non-hazardous) |
| IATA (Air) | Not regulated (non-hazardous) |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
| Transport Temperature | Ambient temperature; Protect from moisture. |
SECTION 19: REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union | Food additive E407 approved by EFSA; Not classified as hazardous; E407a (processed eucheuma seaweed) also approved |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed (TSCA Inventory) |
| USA (FDA) | GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) – 21 CFR 172.620; Food additive E407; Approved for food use |
| Turkey | Food additive E407 (Food Codex); Subject to KKDIK regulation |
| IARC | Not classified (non-toxic, non-carcinogenic) |
| NTP | Not listed |
| OSHA | Not regulated as toxic or carcinogenic substance |
| California (Prop 65) | Not listed |
| WHO JECFA | Approved (ADI: Not specified) |
| FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) | Listed |
| Halal | Yes (plant-based, with certified grades) |
| Kosher | Yes (plant-based, with certified grades) |
| Vegan | Yes (plant-based) |
SECTION 20: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Turkish Names | Karragenan, Kıvamlaştırıcı, İrlanda Yosunu |
| English Names | Carrageenan, Carrageenin, Irish Moss, E407 |
| Chemical Names | Polysaccharide; Sulfated galactan; Red seaweed extract |
| CAS Number | 9000-07-1 |
| E Number | E407 |
| HS Code | 1302.39 |
| Synonyms | Carrageenin, Irish Moss Extract, Red Algae Extract, E407, Chondrus Crispus Extract |
SECTION 21: SUMMARY TABLE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | Carrageenan (E407) |
| CAS Number | 9000-07-1 |
| Molecular Formula | Variable (polysaccharide) |
| Appearance | White to yellowish powder (refined); Light brown to yellowish powder (semi-refined) |
| pH (1% Solution) | 7.5 – 9.0 |
| Primary Function | Gelling agent, thickener, stabilizer, water retention agent |
| Main Application Areas | Dairy products, ice cream, meat products, confectionery, beverages, sauces, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics |
| Shelf Life | 24 – 36 months |
| GHS Signal Word | NONE (not classified as hazardous) |
| UN Number | Not regulated |
| Special Properties | Natural plant-based; Vegan; Thixotropic; Thermoreversible gel; Non-digestible; FDA GRAS; Multi-type (Kappa, Iota, Lambda) |
SECTION 22: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Not classified as hazardous under GHS. Non-toxic, non-carcinogenic. FDA GRAS status.
Food additive E407 – Approved by EFSA, FDA, and WHO JECFA.
Hygroscopic – absorbs moisture from air. Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers.
Dust may cause mechanical irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Use appropriate dust control measures.
Combustible (organic material). Keep away from open flames and high heat. Dust cloud may form explosive mixture.
Light sensitive – protect from direct sunlight and UV light.
Different types for different applications: Kappa (hard gels), Iota (soft gels), Lambda (thickeners).
Ion requirements: Kappa requires K⁺ ions; Iota requires Ca²⁺ ions for gelation.
Not a common allergen – but from seaweed source.
High doses may cause mild laxative effects.
Vegan and plant-based – suitable for vegan, halal, and kosher applications.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Dairy Products: Use as stabilizer and thickener in ice cream, yogurt, and milk drinks; Kappa type for puddings and desserts; Lambda type for ice cream (prevents whey separation); Dosage 0.2-1.5 g/L; Combine with locust bean gum, starch, or other gums for synergistic effects.
Meat Products: Use as water retention agent, fat replacer, and binder; Iota type preferred for processed meats; Dosage 0.5-1.5 g/kg; Provides juiciness and improved sliceability; Reduces cooking loss; Use with phosphates for enhanced water binding.
Confectionery: Use as gelling agent for jellies and gummy candies; Kappa type for hard, rigid gels; Iota type for soft, elastic gels; Dosage 2-5 g/L; Add K⁺ (for Kappa) or Ca²⁺ (for Iota) for gelation.
Beverages: Use as stabilizer and suspension agent; Lambda type preferred; Dosage 0.1-0.3 g/L; Provides mouthfeel and suspension; Use in chocolate drinks, flavored milk, and smoothies.
Sauces & Dressings: Use as thickener and stabilizer; Lambda type preferred; Dosage 0.5-2 g/L; Provides body and texture; Prevents separation; Use with other thickeners for synergistic effects.
Pharmaceutical Applications: Use as excipient, binder, and gel former; Vegetable capsule production; Dental impression materials; Suppository base.
Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid dust formation; Use dust masks (N95/FFP2) when handling powder; Use gloves and safety goggles.
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask (N95/FFP2 or higher), safety goggles, protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene). Not required for solution handling.
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using.
Storage: Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers; Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from moisture, rain, sunlight, and high humidity; Opened packages should be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 24-36 months under proper conditions.
Spill Management: Sweep or vacuum (HEPA) and place in suitable sealed container; Avoid dust formation; Do not allow entry into drains or waterways.
Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Non-hazardous waste; Biodegradable; Can be incinerated in compliance with regulations.
CARRAGEENAN TYPES - DETAILED COMPARISON:
| Property | Kappa (κ) | Iota (ι) | Lambda (λ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfate Content | ~25-30% | ~30-35% | ~35-40% |
| Gelation | Strong, rigid, brittle | Soft, elastic, transparent | No gel (thickener) |
| Ion Requirement | K⁺ (potassium) | Ca²⁺ (calcium) | None |
| Syneresis | High (releases water) | Low | None |
| Gelation Temperature | 40-50°C | 30-40°C | None |
| Melting Temperature | 55-65°C | 40-50°C | None |
| Thixotropy | Low | High | Medium |
| Transparency | Opaque | Transparent | Transparent |
| Application | Dairy desserts, puddings | Meat products, jellies | Ice cream, sauces |
THIXOTROPIC BEHAVIOR NOTE:
Carrageenan exhibits thixotropic behavior:
Definition: Viscosity decreases under shear stress (pumping, mixing); Viscosity recovers when shear is removed (resting).
Advantage: Easy to pump during processing; Resumes structure after filling; Improves process efficiency; Prevents sedimentation during storage.
Applications: Sauces, dressings, dairy products, meat emulsions.
SYNERGY WITH OTHER HYDROCOLLOIDS:
| Combination | Effect |
|---|---|
| Carrageenan + Locust Bean Gum | Increased gel strength (synergistic); More elastic gels; Reduced syneresis |
| Carrageenan + Xanthan Gum | Increased viscosity; Improved suspension; Thixotropic enhancement |
| Carrageenan + Starch | Improved texture; Reduced syneresis; Better freeze-thaw stability |
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.