A coating composition comprising sodium alginate and plasticizer,
optionally detackifying agents, opacifers and colorants. The coating
composition of the present invention may be applied to a pharmaceutical
and veterinary tablet, caplets, pellets, granules, neutraceuticals, food,
confectionery, seeds, animal feed, fertilizers and pesticide tablets and
provides an elegant, glossy, prompt release coating which does not retard
the release of active ingredients from the coated substrate.