E462 · Ethylcellulose
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E462?
Ethylcellulose is a plant-cellulose derivative modified to be water-insoluble, used in foods mainly as a carrier or coating for flavorings and as a texturizer in some processed products. It is best known for its pharmaceutical role as a controlled-release coating for tablets, a use that is separate from its food-additive function.
Also appears on labels as: E462, E 462, E-462, INS 462, Ethylcellulose, Ethyl Cellulose, Cellulose Ethyl Ether, Cellulose, ethyl, Cellulose derivative E462, Ethylated Cellulose, Ethoxycellulose, Food Additive E462.
What the evidence says
- Not digested or absorbed by the body; considered inert and low-risk at approved food-use levels.
- Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA and approved by EFSA at typical food-use levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E462 safe?
Our overall verdict for E462 (Ethylcellulose) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E462 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ethylcellulose — 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 E462 and why is it used?
Ethylcellulose is a plant-cellulose derivative modified to be water-insoluble, used in foods mainly as a carrier or coating for flavorings and as a texturizer in some processed products. It is best known for its pharmaceutical role as a controlled-release coating for tablets, a use that is separate from its food-additive function.
Does E462 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ethylcellulose.
Watch E462
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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.