This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Carboxymethyl Cellulose?

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, sodium carboxymethylcellulose) is the most widely used water-soluble cellulose derivative in food applications. It thickens, stabilizes, and provides a creamy mouthfeel in ice cream, dairy beverages, salad dressings, and gluten-free products. It also prevents ice crystal formation in frozen desserts. JECFA considers it acceptable with no ADI specified. EFSA reviewed CMC in 2016. Some animal studies suggested very high CMC intakes could affect gut microbiota composition, prompting EFSA's monitoring recommendation, but this was not a concern at normal food use levels.

? Did You Know?

Carboxymethyl Cellulose is derived from plant materials — its origin is more natural than its E-number might suggest.

Beyond food, Carboxymethyl Cellulose is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications, household products. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Although classified as natural in origin, commercial Carboxymethyl Cellulose is typically manufactured rather than extracted directly from food sources.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

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European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Widely permitted in most food categories; one of the most commonly used cellulose derivatives.

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United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

One of most widely used food additives

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Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified (considered inert)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical modification

Produced by treating cellulose with alkali (sodium hydroxide), then reacting it with monochloroacetic acid. This substitutes carboxymethyl groups (-OCH2COOH) onto the cellulose backbone. The sodium salt form (sodium carboxymethylcellulose) is highly water-soluble and forms viscous solutions. The degree of substitution determines viscosity and other properties.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Thickener and stabilizer in toothpaste, lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics.

Medical

Tablet binder and disintegrant, ophthalmic lubricant, laxative.

Industrial

Paper coating, textile sizing, oil drilling fluids, detergents, adhesives.

Household

Toothpaste (most common use - creates smooth texture), laundry detergent, cleaning products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carboxymethyl Cellulose (E466)?

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (E466) is a thickener used in food products. It is stabilizer, emulsifier, moisture retention agent, viscosity modifier and natural (modified). CMC is a semi-synthetic derivative of cellulose, created by chemically modifying plant cellulose with carboxymethyl groups. It's essentially processed and chemically modified wood pulp or cotton fiber.

What is the ADI for Carboxymethyl Cellulose?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Carboxymethyl Cellulose is Not specified (considered inert) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Carboxymethyl Cellulose?

Carboxymethyl Cellulose is used in various food categories including Dairy products and analogues, Edible ices, Confectionery. It is used as a thickener in these products.

Is Carboxymethyl Cellulose the same as CMC?

Yes, Carboxymethyl Cellulose is also known as CMC, Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, Cellulose gum, Na-CMC. These are different names for the same substance.