Lethal and Teratogenic Effects of Lambda—Carrageenan, A Food Additive, On the Development of the Chick Embryo

Abstract

Lambda-Carrageenan, a food additive, injected into the yolk sac of fertile chicken eggs had teratogenic and lethal effects on chick embryo development. Anomalies were mainly localized in the cephalic end (exencephaly, abnormal beak, anophtalmy, etc.). All abnormal chicks of the group injected with carrageenan showed two or more anomalies. Growth of newborn chicks in the carrageenan-injected group was significantly diminished until the 4th day of age.