YenzoWhat is E462 (ethyl cellulose)?
E462 stands for ethyl cellulose. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists these functions: binder, thickener, bulking agent, carrier, glazing agent.
E462Ethyl cellulose
E462 stands for ethyl cellulose. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists these functions: binder, thickener, bulking agent, carrier, glazing agent.
Did you know? EFSA has assessed ethyl cellulose as a technological feed additive (stabiliser) for all animal species.
- Code
- E462 · INS 462
- Group
- Thickener, Bulking agent, Carrier, Glazing agent
- 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 E462 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, thickener (462), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
thickener (462)thickener 462E462INS 462On Vietnamese labels: Ethyl cellulose
Questions about ethyl cellulose
Is ethyl 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 E462 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. INS 462 (ethyl 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 E462?
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 thickeners
E459Beta-cyclodextrinlowE460Cellulosevery lowE461Methyl cellulosevery lowE463Hydroxypropyl cellulosevery lowE464Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulosevery lowE465Ethyl methyl cellulosevery low
See all thickeners →Updated 21 October 2026