Back to catalogSafety
E466ThickenerModerate concern
Carboxymethyl Cellulose
In plain words
The short version
A modified cellulose gum used to thicken, stabilize, and add texture in many processed foods.
Why we flag it amber
It's permitted and generally considered safe, but there are a few reasons to be mindful — like sensitivities in some people, debated studies, or intake limits. The Safety section below explains the specifics.
Safety profile
No ADI specified by JECFA. Recent animal and human studies have raised concerns that some emulsifiers, including CMC, may alter the gut microbiome and promote low-grade inflammation. Evidence in humans is still emerging.
The detail
Produced by chemical modification of cellulose from wood pulp or cotton, by reacting with sodium hydroxide and chloroacetic acid. Developed in Germany in the early 20th century.
Used in ice cream, baked goods, sauces, low-fat spreads, dietetic foods, and pharmaceuticals. Provides body and prevents ice crystal growth in frozen products.
White granular powder, soluble in hot and cold water. Forms clear, viscous, pseudoplastic solutions.
Permitted globally with no quantitative restrictions in most jurisdictions.
Sources
- EFSA ANS Panel — Re-evaluation of celluloses E 460(i)–E 469, including sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (E 466) (2018) — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA Journal), 2018. No numerical ADI needed; EFSA noted mouse data on CMC and gut microbiota/inflammation
- WHO JECFA database — Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (INS 466) — World Health Organization / JECFA, 1989. No ADI specified by JECFA (group ADI for modified celluloses)
- 21 CFR 182.1745 — Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (eCFR, current to 13 Oct 2026) — US Office of the Federal Register / FDA, 2026. US GRAS under good manufacturing practice, no quantitative limit
- Chassaing B et al. — Randomized controlled-feeding study of dietary emulsifier carboxymethylcellulose reveals detrimental impacts on the gut microbiota and metabolome. Gastroenterology 2022;162(3) — Gastroenterology (AGA / Elsevier), 2022. Human study raising gut microbiota concerns; evidence still limited (16 subjects, 11 days)
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.