Description

Irish Moss is a natural hydrocolloid extracted from the red seaweed *Chondrus crispus*, primarily composed of the polysaccharide carrageenan. This versatile product is valued for its exceptional gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties in aqueous systems. It serves as a critical functional ingredient for manufacturers in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries seeking natural and effective texturizing solutions.

Application

• Food Industry: Used as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer in dairy products (e.g., chocolate milk, ice cream, yogurt), processed meats, desserts, and sauces.
• Pharmaceuticals: Employed as a suspending and viscosity-increasing agent in liquid formulations, and as a binder in tablet manufacturing.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Functions as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer in lotions, creams, toothpastes, and hair gels.
• Biotechnology & Microbiology: Serves as a gelling agent in culture media for the growth of microorganisms and plant tissues.
• Pet Food: Acts as a binder and texture enhancer in canned and wet pet food products.
• Technical Applications: Used in air freshener gels, water-based paints, and ceramic glazes for its water-binding capabilities.

Basic Information

Product Name	Irish Moss
CAS No.	9062-07-1
Molecular Formula	(C12H18O9)n
Molecular Weight	Polymer (Variable)
Synonyms	Carrageenan; Chondrus Extract; Sea Moss; Carrageen Moss; Carragheen; Irish Moss Extract; E407; Chondrus crispus Gum
EINECS	232-524-2

Quality Control

Our Irish Moss is produced and tested to meet stringent quality standards appropriate for its target applications, including food and pharmaceutical grades. Quality assurance protocols include testing for key parameters such as viscosity, gel strength, purity, and microbiological safety. We ensure compliance with relevant specifications, including FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) and other international guidelines. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is provided with each batch to guarantee consistency and traceability.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. This material is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive); the container must be kept tightly sealed after opening to prevent caking and degradation due to moisture absorption. Recommended storage temperature is between 15°C and 25°C.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Off-white to tan powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Viscosity (1.5% solution)	Contact for details
Gel Strength	Contact for details
Loss on Drying	≤ 12.0 %
Ash Content	15.0 - 40.0 %
Acid Insoluble Ash	≤ 1.0 %
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 20 ppm
Arsenic (As)	≤ 3 ppm
Microbiological Analysis	Meets standard requirements

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.