E466Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)

E466 stands for sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists these functions: thickener, bulking agent, emulsifier, glazing agent, stabilizer, humectant, firming agent, gelling agent.

Did you know? Appendix 2B of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT lists sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (INS 466) separately for starch (GMP level) and grape wine (100 mg/kg).

Code: E466 · INS 466
Group: Thickener, Bulking agent, Emulsifier, Glazing agent, Stabilizer, Humectant, Firming agent, Gelling 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 E466 appears on labels

IngredientsIllustrative example

Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, thickener (466), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).

thickener (466)thickener 466E466INS 466natri carboxymethyl cellulosecarboxymethyl cellulose

Sodium carboxymethyl 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 sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

What is E466 (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose)?

Is sodium carboxymethyl 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 E466 permitted in Vietnam?

Yes. INS 466 (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.

Can children and pregnant women have cellulose gum?

In 2022 EFSA reported that the interested business operators declared E 466 is not used in food for infants below 16 weeks of age and in category 13.1.5.1 (dietary foods for infants for special medical purposes), so EFSA did not assess that category. For category 13.1.5.2 (dietary foods for babies and young children for special medical purposes) EFSA confirmed that the available data did not allow an adequate assessment of safety. If you have a particular health condition, ask a doctor.

Other thickeners

E462Ethyl cellulosevery low E463Hydroxypropyl cellulosevery low E464Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulosevery low E465Ethyl methyl cellulosevery low E468Croscarmellose sodiumvery low E469Enzymatically hydrolysed carboxymethyl cellulosevery low

See all thickeners →

Found in these products

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 (3)

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