Lifespan carcinogenicity tests with native carrageenan in rats and hamsters

Native carrageenan (Gelcarin), a widely used food additive, was tested for carcinogenicity in MRC rats and Syrian golden hamsters through lifespan studies. Three groups of 30 males and 30 females from these species received carrageenan at dose levels of either 5%, 2.5% or 0.5% in the diet daily for the animal's lifespan. A trend toward an increased incidence of benign mammary tumors in females and testicular neoplasms in males occurred at the median dose level (2.5%); however, the incidence of these tumors was not statistically significant. Hamsters did not develop neoplasms in response to treatment at any dose levels. From the results of this experiment, carrageenan demonstrated no carcinogenic effects in either species.