Is E466 halal?

What is E466?

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), also called cellulose gum, is plant cellulose that has been chemically changed so that it dissolves in water. The cellulose is treated with alkali and monochloroacetic acid or its sodium salt, which attaches small carboxymethyl groups to the cellulose chains.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

CMC starts from plant cellulose and is modified with mineral and synthetic chemicals. There is no animal raw material at any stage, so it is generally regarded as halal. It is a different additive from plain cellulose (E460), but the plant source is the same.

How to check the label

No special check is needed. On labels it may appear as E466, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose gum or sodium CMC.

Where you'll find it

• ice cream
• sauces and dressings
• gluten-free bread
• fruit drinks
• bakery fillings

Good to know

• The EU specification lists cellulose gum, CMC, NaCMC and sodium CMC as other names for E466.
• EFSA assessed E466 together with the other celluloses in 2018 and saw no need for a numerical ADI.
• Unlike plain cellulose, CMC dissolves in water and forms a thick, smooth solution.

Similar additives

• E410 Locust bean gum (carob) Generally halal
• E412 Guar gum Generally halal
• E414 Gum arabic (acacia gum) Generally halal
• E440 Pectin Generally halal
• E100 Curcumin Generally halal
• E153 Vegetable carbon 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