E460Cellulose

E460 stands for cellulose (microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose). Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists these functions: bulking agent, anticaking agent, carrier, glazing agent, emulsifier, foaming agent, stabilizer, thickener, humectant.

Did you know? According to EFSA, microcrystalline cellulose (E 460(i)) and powdered cellulose (E 460(ii)) are also on the EU list of substances that may be intentionally used to make plastic layers in plastic materials and articles (Regulation (EU) No 10/2011).

Code: E460 · INS 460
Group: Bulking agent, Anticaking agent, Carrier, Glazing agent, Emulsifier, Foaming agent, Stabilizer, Thickener, Humectant
ADI: ADI “not specified” (EFSA 2018) This means no numerical ADI is needed: by JECFA’s definition of the term, at the levels needed in food the substance does not represent a hazard to health. Vietnam’s Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT calls this an ADI “không xác định” (“not specified”, Article 3(6)).

In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1

Risk level on the Yenzo Scalevery low?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2018

How E460 appears on labels

IngredientsIllustrative example

Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, bulking agent (460), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).

bulking agent (460)bulking agent 460E460INS 460

INS sub-codes

INS 460(i)Microcrystalline cellulose

INS 460(ii)Powdered cellulose

Sources: Codex CXG 36-1989, Class Names and the International Numbering System (INS)

Cellulose in food

Fermented milk

Renin-coagulated milk

Pasteurised cream

Fresh and dried pasta and noodles

Fresh meat

Frozen fish and fish products

Liquid and frozen egg products

Other sugars and syrups

Coffee, tea and herbal drinks

Questions about cellulose

What is E460 (cellulose)?

Is cellulose harmful?

In 2018 EFSA concluded that there was no need for a numerical ADI for the celluloses (E 460(i), E 460(ii), E 461–466, E 468 and E 469) and no safety concern at the reported uses and use levels.

Is E460 permitted in Vietnam?

Yes. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food, has the entries INS 460(i) and 460(ii).

Can children and pregnant women have E460?

In 2018, re-evaluating the celluloses (E 460–469), EFSA stated that a risk assessment for the general population does not apply to infants under 12 weeks of age; that age group is to be assessed separately. The source says nothing specific about older children or pregnant women. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.

Other bulking agents

E420Sorbitolvery low E421Mannitolvery low E461Methyl cellulosevery low E462Ethyl cellulosevery low E464Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulosevery low E466Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)very low

See all bulking agents →

Found in these products

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Sữa 9 loại hạt Vinamilk Super Nut ít đường (9-nut milk, less sugar)Vinamilk · plant-based milk

Sữa đặc Ngôi Sao Phương Nam (sweetened condensed creamer)Vinamilk · milk and milk drinks

Sữa đặc Ông Thọ (sweetened condensed milk)Vinamilk · milk and milk drinks

Sữa đậu nành Vinamilk Goldsoy không đường (unsweetened soy milk)Vinamilk · plant-based milk

Sữa đậu nành Vinamilk ít đường (less sugar soy milk)Vinamilk · plant-based milk

Updated 21 October 2026

How Yenzo scores

Sources (2)

Information only, not medical advice. The risk level is the additive's class in Yenzo's open scoring method, based on the cited source.