FDA Status
GRAS
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (E466), CAS 9004-32-4, is a emulsifier additive holding a composite safety score of 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as GRAS, while the European Union lists it as Approved. This ingredient appears in approximately 27 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Ice cream, beer, sauces, gluten-free products.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Carboxymethyl Cellulose to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Carboxymethyl Cellulose, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | GRAS | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E466 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 9004-32-4 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Emulsifier | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 27 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
3.0 / 5
Composite Safety Mixed Evidence
Safety Score: 3 out of 5
Safety Rating 60.0%
EU Status
Approved
E466
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Carboxymethyl Cellulose receives a safety score of 3/5 (Mixed Evidence) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA classifies Carboxymethyl Cellulose as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS), meaning qualified experts consider it safe under intended conditions of use.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Carboxymethyl Cellulose. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Carboxymethyl Cellulose?
Modified cellulose thickener.
Health Concerns
- Some studies link to gut inflammation.
Common Uses
Ice cream, beer, sauces, gluten-free products
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carboxymethyl Cellulose safe to consume?
Carboxymethyl Cellulose has a safety score of 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Carboxymethyl Cellulose used for in food?
Carboxymethyl Cellulose is commonly used as: Ice cream, beer, sauces, gluten-free products. It belongs to the Emulsifier category of food additives.
Is Carboxymethyl Cellulose banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Carboxymethyl Cellulose. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Carboxymethyl Cellulose?
The FDA classifies Carboxymethyl Cellulose as "GRAS", while the EU status is "Approved" (E466). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Carboxymethyl Cellulose?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Carboxymethyl Cellulose: Some studies link to gut inflammation.. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Carboxymethyl Cellulose calculated?
The safety score of 3/5 for Carboxymethyl Cellulose is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
Explore PlainIngredients
Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial