E466: Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Main role: thickening and moisture control
Also listed as: cellulose gum, CMC, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
What is E466 (Carboxymethyl Cellulose)?
Carboxymethyl cellulose, often called cellulose gum, is a water-compatible cellulose derivative. It helps control thickness, reduce separation, and retain moisture in recipes where consistency matters during storage.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is thickening and moisture control. Texture ingredients help a recipe control thickness, binding, or separation. Their behavior depends on temperature, acidity, concentration, and other ingredients; two thickeners with similar names may not perform identically.
Food and formulation examples
- Ice cream
- Sauces
- Gluten-free bakery products
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E466, E 466, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include cellulose gum, CMC, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Studies of emulsifiers and gut biology do not establish that every food containing cellulose gum causes disease. The dose, research model, and finished food matter when interpreting those claims.
Is E466 safe?
EFSA’s 2018 cellulose assessment found no concern for the reported food uses and use levels evaluated. EFSA celluloses re-evaluation (2018).
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E466 as Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, Cellulose gum. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.