Emulsifier · CAS 9004-32-4 · EU E466
Carboxymethyl Cellulose
FDA status: GRAS. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Carboxymethyl Cellulose is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #187 of 417.
- #187 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Carboxymethyl Cellulose is classified GRAS by the FDA, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #187 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (55th percentile).
- 3/5
- Mixed Evidence
- GRAS
- FDA status
- #187 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Carboxymethyl Cellulose: 27 tracked U.S. products (moderate band, #187 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 27 · #187 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| 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 |
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.
What is Carboxymethyl Cellulose?
Modified cellulose thickener.
Health Concerns
- Some studies link to gut inflammation.
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a moderate OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (27 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carboxymethyl Cellulose safe to consume?
Carboxymethyl Cellulose scores 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). FDA status is GRAS. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a moderate additive (27 tracked products, #187 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Carboxymethyl Cellulose used for in food?
Carboxymethyl Cellulose shows up as Ice cream, beer, sauces, gluten-free products in the Emulsifier class, and the OFF sample puts it in the moderate footprint band (27 products).
Where does Carboxymethyl Cellulose sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #187 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
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 EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes restricting additives that remain approved in the US.
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.