Emulsifier · EU 464
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. The European Union separately classifies it as approved.
The verdict
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
Identified by its EU additive code
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose: no OFF product match; EU code 464 is the standout identifier.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 464 | EU additive register |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Emulsifier | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not in our EFSA data | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | 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.
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, explained
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose is a food additive (464) classified as emulsifier.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Safety of a change in specifications for the food additive hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose -E 464-
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
How Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose compares to its catalog-profile peers nationwide
Product-count (0) and safety-score (4/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 4/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose safe to consume?
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. No OFF product match yet; EU additive code 464 is the standout identifier on this row.
What is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose used for in food?
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (464) is catalogued for Sauces, dressings, baked goods, ice cream; treat uses as SAFFA class, not shelf count.
What health concerns are associated with Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose: EFSA evaluation: Safety of a change in specifications for the food additive hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose -E 464-. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.