AGAR INS No. 406
Prepared at the 49th JECFA (1997), published in FNP 52 Add 5 superseding specifications prepared at the 44th JECFA (1995), published in FNP 52 Add 3 (1995). An ADI 'not limited' was establishedat the 17th JECFA (1973)
SYNONYMS Agar-agar; gelose; Japan agar; Bengal, Ceylon, Chinese or Japanese isinglass; Layor Carang; INS No. 406
DEFINITION Agar is the dried hydrophilic, colloidal substance extracted from certain marine algae of the class Rhodophyceae. It is a polysaccharide,
consisting primarily of D- and L-galactose units. About every tenth Dgalactopyranose unit contains a sulfate ester group. Calcium, magnesium, potassium or sodium cations are also associated with the polysaccharide.
C.A.S. number 9002-18-0
Assay Not higher than 0.25% for threshold gel concentration
DESCRIPTION Odourless or has a slight characteristic odour. Unground agar usually occurs in bundles consisting of thin, membranous, agglutinated strips, or in cut, flaked, granulated or powdered forms. It may be light yellowish orange, yellowish grey to pale yellow, or colourless. It is tough when damp, brittle when dry. Powdered agar is white to yellowish white or pale yellow.
FUNCTIONAL USES Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier
