YenzoWhat is E464 (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose)?
E464 stands for hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists these functions: emulsifier, glazing agent, stabilizer, thickener, bulking agent.
E464Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
E464 stands for hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists these functions: emulsifier, glazing agent, stabilizer, thickener, bulking agent.
Did you know? Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose also goes by the name hypromellose in the European Pharmacopoeia.
- Code
- E464 · INS 464
- 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 E464 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, emulsifier (464), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
emulsifier (464)emulsifier 464E464INS 464On Vietnamese labels: Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
Hydroxypropyl 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 hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
Is hydroxypropyl 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 E464 permitted in Vietnam?
Yes. INS 464 (hydroxypropyl 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 E464?
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 emulsifiers
E460Cellulosevery lowE461Methyl cellulosevery lowE463Hydroxypropyl cellulosevery lowE465Ethyl methyl cellulosevery lowE466Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)very lowE470Salts of fatty acids (type not printed)very low
See all emulsifiers →Updated 21 October 2026