Fucus

Fucus is a genus of brown seaweeds found in lower intertidal zones along rocky shores, including bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) and Fucus spiralis. Some species are utilised for foods and animal feeds, usually in dried form, and alginates are often extracted chemically from dried Fucus species for use as bulking agents, gelling agents or stabilisers in foods such as cheese and ice cream. The seaweeds are harvested from cold coastal waters and dried promptly to preserve quality. Because they accumulate iodine and minerals from seawater, food uses must consider iodine content and possible heavy-metal contamination from polluted harvest areas, and suppliers are expected to test and declare it.