E469 · Enzymatically hydrolyzed carboxymethylcellulose
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E469?
Enzymatically hydrolyzed carboxymethylcellulose is a modified form of the plant-derived thickener CMC, broken down by enzymes to change its texture-building properties. It is used in foods as a thickener and stabilizer, and it is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe at typical use levels. As with other cellulose derivatives, it is not digested by the body and passes through largely intact.
Also appears on labels as: Enzymatically hydrolyzed carboxymethylcellulose, Enzyme-treated carboxymethylcellulose, Enzymatically hydrolyzed CMC, Enzyme-modified CMC, Enzyme-degraded CMC, Carboxymethylcellulose (enzyme hydrolyzed), Carboxymethyl cellulose (enzyme-treated), Enzyme-hydrolyzed sodium CMC, Enzymatically hydrolyzed sodium carboxymethylcellulose, CMC (enzyme hydrolyzed), Modified cellulose (enzyme hydrolyzed), Enzyme-treated cellulose gum.
What the evidence says
- Not digested by humans; very high intake may have a mild laxative effect.
- Limited independent long-term data compared to standard CMC, though it is evaluated as equally safe by regulators.
Frequently asked questions
Is E469 safe?
Our overall verdict for E469 (Enzymatically hydrolyzed carboxymethylcellulose) 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 E469 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Enzymatically hydrolyzed carboxymethylcellulose — 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 E469 and why is it used?
Enzymatically hydrolyzed carboxymethylcellulose is a modified form of the plant-derived thickener CMC, broken down by enzymes to change its texture-building properties. It is used in foods as a thickener and stabilizer, and it is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe at typical use levels. As with other cellulose derivatives, it is not digested by the body and passes through largely intact.
Does E469 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Enzymatically hydrolyzed carboxymethylcellulose.
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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.