YenzoWhat is E463 (hydroxypropyl cellulose)?
E463 stands for hydroxypropyl cellulose. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists these functions: thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, foaming agent, glazing agent.
E463Hydroxypropyl cellulose
E463 stands for hydroxypropyl cellulose. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists these functions: thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, foaming agent, glazing agent.
Did you know? Under Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, E 460–466 and E 469 may be used in nutrient preparations, except nutrients intended for foods for infants and young children listed in point 13.1 of Part E of Annex II.
- Code
- E463 · INS 463
- 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 E463 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, thickener (463), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
thickener (463)thickener 463E463INS 463On Vietnamese labels: Hydroxypropyl cellulose
Hydroxypropyl 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 hydroxypropyl cellulose
Is hydroxypropyl 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 E463 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. INS 463 (hydroxypropyl 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 E463?
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
E460Cellulosevery lowE461Methyl cellulosevery lowE462Ethyl cellulosevery lowE464Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulosevery lowE465Ethyl methyl cellulosevery lowE466Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)very low
See all thickeners →Updated 21 October 2026