YenzoWhat is E461 (methyl cellulose)?
E461 stands for methyl cellulose. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists these functions: bulking agent, glazing agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener.
E461Methyl cellulose
E461 stands for methyl cellulose. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists these functions: bulking agent, glazing agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener.
Did you know? EFSA describes methyl cellulose as cellulose made from fibrous plant material, with methyl groups attached using methyl chloride.
- Code
- E461 · INS 461
- 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 E461 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, bulking agent (461), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
bulking agent (461)bulking agent 461E461INS 461On Vietnamese labels: Methyl cellulose
Methyl cellulose in food
Fermented milk
Renin-coagulated milk
Pasteurised cream
Fresh meat
Frozen fish and fish productsCooked fish and fishery productsOther sugars and syrups
Salt substitutes
Coffee, tea and herbal drinksQuestions about methyl cellulose
Is methyl 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 E461 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. INS 461 (methyl cellulose) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.
Can children and pregnant women have E461?
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 lowE421Mannitolvery lowE460Cellulosevery lowE462Ethyl cellulosevery lowE464Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulosevery lowE466Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)very low
See all bulking agents →Updated 21 October 2026