What is E466?
Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (E466), also called cellulose gum, is a thickener and stabiliser used in specified foods. Goodnessly rates it Caution as a prompt to notice the formulation and current category conditions.
E466 is cellulose gum, a modified cellulose that can add viscosity and help stabilise texture in permitted foods.
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What is Sodium carboxymethylcellulose?
Sodium carboxymethylcellulose is a water-soluble cellulose derivative. Its ability to hold water and increase viscosity makes it useful in selected food formulations.
What's it used for?
- Increasing viscosity
- Stabilising texture and suspensions
- Supporting moisture management
- Helping keep ingredients evenly distributed
Where you'll find E466 on the shelf
It is most relevant to sauces, dressings, desserts, drinks and other formulated foods where viscosity or stability is needed.
Is E466 permitted? What the regulators say
E466 is authorised or permitted in the three systems checked, but category conditions and updated specifications matter.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted with conditions | FSANZ identifies sodium carboxymethylcellulose as INS 466; the applicable Schedule 15 category and conditions control use. |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Authorised with conditions | The EU Union list includes E466 cellulose gum. EU Regulation 2025/666 changes some specialised infant-food permissions from 2027, so category details matter. |
| US United States (FDA) | GRAS for specified use | FDA 21 CFR 182.1745 lists sodium carboxymethylcellulose as GRAS when used according to good manufacturing practice and the stated specifications. |
Goodnessly rates E466 Caution to encourage label and formulation awareness. This does not say authorised cellulose gum use is harmful.
Eco score: Coming Soon.
- FSANZ Food Standards Code lists INS 466 and directs users to Schedule 15 conditions.
- EUR-Lex Union-list provisions and Regulation (EU) 2025/666 set category-specific conditions.
- FDA 21 CFR 182.1745 covers sodium carboxymethylcellulose.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who might want to limit or avoid it
- People who prefer to understand added thickeners
- People comparing highly formulated foods
- People checking specialised food categories and label details
Goodnessly rates E466 Caution as a practical prompt to understand the ingredient, the product and the overall formulation.
How to spot it on a label
Look for:
- Sodium carboxymethylcellulose
- Cellulose gum
- 466 or E466
- Thickener (466) or stabiliser (466)
Look for sodium carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose gum, E466/466, or a functional class followed by 466.
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
What is E466?
E466 is sodium carboxymethylcellulose, also called cellulose gum, a thickener and stabiliser.
Is E466 permitted?
E466 is permitted with conditions in Australia/New Zealand, the EU and the US. The food category and current conditions still matter.
Why is cellulose gum rated Caution?
Goodnessly uses Caution as a label-reading prompt to notice added thickeners and the wider formulation.
How does Goodnessly rate E466?
Goodnessly rates E466 (sodium carboxymethylcellulose) as Caution.
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