Emulsifier · EU 460
Microcrystalline 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, Microcrystalline Cellulose is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #121 of 417.
- #121 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Microcrystalline Cellulose is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #121 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (71st percentile).
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- #121 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Product-footprint and regulatory snapshot
Microcrystalline Cellulose: 135 tracked U.S. products (common band, #121 of 417) frame how often this additive appears on shelves.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tracked Products | 135 · #121 of 417 | Open Food Facts (US) |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | 460 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Emulsifier | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | 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 Microcrystalline Cellulose?
Microcrystalline Cellulose is a food additive (460) classified as emulsifier.
Health Concerns
- Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest
Common Uses
Shelf-footprint peer axes
Nationwide peers for a common OFF footprint
Nearest OFF product-count peers (135 tracked here); safety-score column omitted on prevalence-led pages.
Nearest OFF product count to 135
Nearest other additives by Open Food Facts product count (floored at ≥50).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microcrystalline Cellulose safe to consume?
Microcrystalline Cellulose scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. On the Open Food Facts U.S. sample it is a common additive (135 tracked products, #121 of 417), so product footprint, not just the score label, frames how widely a shopper will meet it.
What is Microcrystalline Cellulose used for in food?
Microcrystalline Cellulose shows up as Sauces, dressings, baked goods, ice cream in the Emulsifier class, and the OFF sample puts it in the common footprint band (135 products).
Where does Microcrystalline Cellulose sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #121 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What health concerns are associated with Microcrystalline Cellulose?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Microcrystalline Cellulose: Flagged by ANSES (French food safety agency) as additive of interest. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.