Cornucopia has heard from many people who suffer ill health effects from ingesting carrageenan. [Learn more about carrageenan, including a guide to help you avoid this inflammatory ingredient, on our research page.] We shared the following stories with regulators at the fall 2016 National Organic Standards Board meeting: “I suffer from sensitivity to carrageenan which… Read more »
Search Results for: carrageenan
Researcher Bias and the Carrageenan Controversy
Is carrageenan bad for you? When considering the answer to that question, it’s useful to follow the money. For example, industry consultant TOXpertise, LLC has painted research pointing to the potential health risks of this controversial food additive as faulty science. However, the company’s analyses were funded by FMC Corporation, which has “over 60 years of experience in the development and production of carrageenan products…” Yet in… Read more »
GUT WRENCHING! Tell FDA to remove carrageenan from all food and the NOSB to vote to remove it from organic food
This petition is closed. To learn how to apply pressure in the marketplace, see our most recent efforts to remove carrageenan in organic food. Rates of digestive diseases are rising—ranging from widespread digestive discomfort (“belly bloat,” “spastic colon,” Irritable Bowel Syndrome) to serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases such as ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. For… Read more »
Food Allergies are Expensive and Not Always Understood
Cornucopia’s Take: Food allergies and intolerances are a terrible burden to the afflicted. Cornucopia has reported on carrageenan, a common food ingredient which makes people ill, and DHA which sickens some infants from formula. Pesticide exposure is another possible culprit for food sensitivity. Cornucopia recommends a whole food, organic diet. A simple diet also helps… Read more »
What’s the Controversy Over Carrageenan?
Why is there controversy over carrageenan? Controversy over the popular additive is longstanding in the organic marketplace. Brands love this cheap additive because they believe it improves consumer satisfaction. But carrageenan poses a hidden risk: both consumer testimonials and current research show that carrageenan can cause serious inflammation when consumed. What is carrageenan? Carrageenan is a widely used food additive that is extracted from certain types of red seaweed. Carrageenan is a common processing aid in… Read more »
Carrageenan Report and Buyer’s Guide
Carrageenan is a problematic ingredient propped up by a well-oiled public relations machine. The Cornucopia Institute has long compiled scientific studies that raise troubling concerns about the consumption of food-grade carrageenan. Although referred to as a “natural” ingredient, carrageenan is linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and disease, including higher rates of colon cancer, in research using… Read more »
Guide to Avoiding Carrageenan in Organic Food
Use this guide to avoid carrageenan in organic food. (Watch our video on how to use the guide.) Please note, since carrageen is only used in certain food categories, we’ve only reviewed organic products that commonly contain carrageenan. Search by brand or product category using the search bar at the top right. And use the… Read more »
Will Carrageenan Remain in Organic Food?
Removal of Carcinogenic Substance Uncertain Due to Industry Lobbying [This article was previously published in the summer issue of The Cultivator, Cornucopia’s quarterly newsletter.] by Linley Dixon, PhD Farm and Food Policy Analyst at The Cornucopia Institute Source: Adobe Stock The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of more than 9,000 food additives used… Read more »
Carrageenan 2013
March 2013 Sign the FDA petition to remove carrageenan from the food supply Read The Cornucopia Institute’s full report on the dangers of carrageenan Protect yourself and your family with Cornucopia’s carrageenan buying guide Many individuals experience significant improvements in their gastrointestinal health after cutting carrageenan out of their diet. If your health improved after… Read more »
Is Carrageenan Natural?
This article includes excerpts from the report: Carrageenan: How a Natural Food Additive is Making Us Sick Carrageenan is a common food additive that is derived from specific types of red seaweeds, which are then processed with alkali. This processed substance is distributed widely and used as a “natural” food ingredient. It’s why you’ll find… Read more »