sodium carboxymethylcellulose
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | 羧甲基纤维素钠 |
| English name | sodium carboxymethylcellulose |
| INS/E number | INS 466 |
| Functional class | Bulking agent, Emulsifier, Firming agent, Gelling agent, Glazing agent, Humectant, Stabilizer, Thickener |
| Year adopted | 1999 |
| Approved by | Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
sodium carboxymethylcellulose (INS 466) is a Bulking agent, Emulsifier, Firming agent, Gelling agent, Glazing agent, Humectant, Stabilizer, Thickener food additive. Used to increase bulk or replace sugar/fat to provide body, usually low-calorie.Allows immiscible liquids (e.g. oil and water) to form a stable uniform system, improving texture.Used to maintain or enhance the firmness and crispness of fruits, vegetables and canned foods.Used to form gels or semi-solid structures in liquid foods.Used to form a protective coating on food surfaces, improving appearance and preventing moisture loss.Used to retain moisture and prevent foods from drying out and hardening.Used to keep the physical state of foods stable, preventing separation, sedimentation or syneresis.Used to increase viscosity and improve mouthfeel and body.
Source
Natural：E.g. dietary fibres, polyols, modified starches.Some derive from natural raw materials (e.g. soy lecithin, egg-yolk phospholipids).Commonly calcium salts (e.g. calcium chloride, calcium lactate).E.g. pectin, agar, carrageenan, gelatin.E.g. beeswax, carnauba wax, shellac.Mostly naturally occurring polyols (e.g. glycerol, sorbitol).Mostly natural gums, proteins or polysaccharides (e.g. gelatin, pectin, locust bean gum).Mostly natural polysaccharides or proteins (e.g. pectin, xanthan, carrageenan, starch).
Industrial：Processed.Many are made by esterifying glycerol with fatty acids or further derivatisation (e.g. monoglycerides, spans, tweens).Also includes some aluminium salts (e.g. potassium aluminium sulphate).Extracted and purified.Purified.Produced by hydrogenation or fermentation processes.Some are physically or chemically modified (e.g. carboxymethyl cellulose, modified starches).Some are modified for performance (e.g. hydroxypropyl starch, CMC).
Why is it used?
- Provide bulk and body
- Lower energy density
- Replace sugar or fat
- Stabilise oil-water emulsions
- Improve mouthfeel and structure
- Prevent separation
- Enhance firmness
- Keep produce crisp
- Improve canned-food quality
- Form gel structure
- Provide body
- Improve mouthfeel
- Form a protective film
- Improve gloss
- Prevent moisture loss
- Retain moisture
- Maintain soft texture
- Prevent caking
- Maintain homogeneity
- Prevent syneresis and sedimentation
- Improve texture and water retention
- Increase viscosity
- Improve body and mouthfeel
- Stabilise suspensions
Common Foods
- Low-energy foods
- Confectionery
- Bakery
- Dairy
- Margarine
- Ice cream
- Chocolate
- Sauces
- Canned fruits/vegetables
- Soy products
- Jam
- Pickled foods
- Jelly
- Pudding
- Yoghurt
- Aspic
- Fruits
- Nut coatings
- Candied fruit
- Meat products
- Beverages
- Soups
Safety
Mostly indigestible carbs or sugar alcohols, safe within permitted use.Largely metabolised in the gut; generally safe within permitted use; JECFA sets ADI where applicable.Safe within permitted use; aluminium salts have scope restrictions.Mostly natural polysaccharides or proteins, safe within permitted use.Safe within permitted use, generally non-digestible.Safe within permitted use; excess sugar alcohols may have a laxative effect.Most act as dietary fibre or inert colloids and are safe within permitted use.Mostly indigestible polysaccharides, safe within permitted use; some act as dietary fibre.
Metabolism：Metabolic pathways vary by substance; generally the material is metabolised or excreted normally.
Concerns：
- Use within permitted levels
- Sensitive individuals should check the ingredient list
Usage Standard
China：依据 GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》确定使用范围与最大使用量；具体限值随食品类别而异。
International：
- China GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard for Uses of Food Additives：https://www.cfsa.net.cn/
- Codex GSFA General Standard for Food Additives：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/codex-alimentarius/en/
- FAO/WHO JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives)：https://www.fao.org/food-safety/scientific-advice/jecfa/en/
- US FDA Substances Added to Food：https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/substances-added-food-previously-food-additive-status-list
- EU EFSA Food Additives：https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-additives
In a nutshell
sodium carboxymethylcellulose is a Bulking agent, Emulsifier, Firming agent, Gelling agent, Glazing agent, Humectant, Stabilizer, Thickener, safe for use in food production within permitted limits.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.