Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)
Function: Emulsifier/Thickener
E466 is the European food-additive number for Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), an emulsifier — helps ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water, stay mixed. Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) (E466) is an emulsifier used as a food additive.
What is E466 used for?
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) (E466) is an emulsifier — helps ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water, stay mixed. It is added during food production for a technological purpose rather than for nutrition.
Is E466 safe or restricted?
E466 is approved for use in the EU. It sits among the additives EFSA keeps under ongoing review as new evidence is published. Forkin classifies it as “Under monitoring” and does not make health claims. See the methodology for how regulatory levels are assigned.
Frequently asked questions about E466
- What is E466?
- E466 is the E-number for Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), an emulsifier — helps ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water, stay mixed. Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) (E466) is an emulsifier used as a food additive.
- What is E466 used for?
- Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) (E466) is an emulsifier — helps ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water, stay mixed. Manufacturers add it during processing rather than for nutrition. The Forkin app shows which products in your scan history actually contain it.
- Is E466 vegan or vegetarian?
- It depends on the source. Many additives can be produced from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the ingredient list rarely states which was used. The Forkin app shows the verified vegan and vegetarian status per product where it's known, instead of a blanket guess.
- Is E466 safe, and is it banned anywhere?
- E466 is approved for use in the EU. It sits among the additives EFSA keeps under ongoing review as new evidence is published. Forkin classifies it as "Under monitoring" and does not make health claims — see the methodology page for how regulatory levels are assigned, and the Forkin app for the full profile, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) and restrictions by country.
See the full profile in Forkin
The Forkin app surfaces the full regulatory profile of E466 — acceptable daily intake (ADI), restrictions by country, vegan/vegetarian status, alternative names, and which products in your scan history contain it.