Is E460 halal?

What is E460?

E460 covers two forms of cellulose, the main fibre in plant cell walls. Microcrystalline cellulose (E460 i) is made by treating purified plant pulp with mineral acid; powdered cellulose (E460 ii) is the same kind of pulp ground mechanically. Both come from fibrous plant material such as wood or cotton.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Cellulose is plant fibre, and the processing uses only water, mineral acids and mechanical grinding. It contains nothing from animals, so it is generally regarded as halal. “Wood pulp” may sound odd, but it is the same cellulose found in all plant foods.

How to check the label

No special check is needed. It may be listed as E460, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose or powdered cellulose, often as an anti-caking agent.

Where you'll find it

• grated cheese
• food supplement tablets
• reduced-fat foods
• sauces
• baked goods

Good to know

• EFSA re-evaluated the celluloses E460–E469 together in 2018 and concluded there was no need for a numerical ADI.
• People cannot digest cellulose; EFSA noted that large single intakes have occasionally had a laxative effect.

Similar additives

• E100 Curcumin Generally halal
• E153 Vegetable carbon Generally halal
• E160b Annatto Generally halal
• E160c Paprika extract Generally halal
• E162 Beetroot red Generally halal
• E163 Anthocyanins Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of celluloses E460–E469 (2018)
2. EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012

Frequently asked questions