E460 · Microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E460?
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and powdered cellulose are purified forms of plant fiber (cellulose) used as anti-caking agents, bulking agents, and texturizers. They are common in shredded cheese (to prevent clumping), low-fat foods, sauces, and dietary supplement tablets, where they add bulk without calories. As insoluble fiber, they pass through the digestive system largely unchanged. They are considered safe and are widely used across the food and supplement industries.
Also appears on labels as: Microcrystalline cellulose, Powdered cellulose, Cellulose powder, Purified cellulose, Cellulose microcrystalline, MCC, Cellulose (microcrystalline), Cellulose (powdered), E460, E 460, E-460, E460(i).
What the evidence says
- Very large intakes may cause mild digestive effects such as bloating or gas, similar to other insoluble fibers.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Re‐evaluation of celluloses E 460(i), E 460(ii), E 461, E 462, E 463, E 464, E 465, E 466, E 468 and E 469 as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2018). The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of various celluloses including microcrystalline cellulose (E 460) as food additives. The Panel concluded that there is no need for a numerical ADI for these cellulose derivatives and that there is no safety concern for the general population when these substances are used as food additives.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E460 safe?
Our overall verdict for E460 (Microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E460 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E460 and why is it used?
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and powdered cellulose are purified forms of plant fiber (cellulose) used as anti-caking agents, bulking agents, and texturizers. They are common in shredded cheese (to prevent clumping), low-fat foods, sauces, and dietary supplement tablets, where they add bulk without calories. As insoluble fiber, they pass through the digestive system largely unchanged. They are considered safe and are widely used across the food and supplement industries.
Does E460 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose.
Watch E460
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.