PROCESSED EUCHEUMA SEAWEED
Prepared at the 68th JECFA (2007) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 4 (2007), superseding specifications prepared at the 57th JECFA (2001)and published in the Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications, FAO JECFA Monographs 1 (2005). A group ADI “not specified” for carrageenan and processed Eucheuma seaweed was established at the 57th JECFA (2001). SYNONYMS PES, PNG-carrageenan, semi-refined carrageenan; INS No. 407a
DEFINITION A substance with hydrocolloid properties obtained from either Eucheuma cottonii or E. spinosum (from the Rhodophyceae class of red seaweeds). In addition to carrageenan polysaccharides, processed eucheuma seaweed may contain up to 15% of insoluble algal cellulose and minor
amounts of other insoluble matter. Articles of commerce may include sugars for standardization purposes or salts to obtain specific gelling or thickening characteristics. It is distinguished from carrageenan (INS No. 407) by its higher content of cellulosic matter and by the fact that it is not
solubilized and precipitated during processing.
The functional component of the product obtained from E. cottonii is kappa-carrageenan (a copolymer of D-galactose-4-sulfate and 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose). From E. spinosum it is iota-carrageenan (a copolymer of D-galactose-4-sulfate and 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose-2-sulfate).
Processing consists of soaking the cleaned seaweed in alkali for a short time at elevated temperatures. The material is then thoroughly washed
with water to remove residual salts followed by purification, drying, and milling to a powder. Alcohols that may be used during purification are
restricted to methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol. DESCRIPTION Light tan to white coarse to fine powder
