What is Powdered cellulose used for in food?

It is listed as a bulking agent — the role Canada and Codex assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.

Where is Powdered cellulose permitted?

Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the EU, Great Britain, South Korea and the Codex standard permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.

Is Powdered cellulose vegan?

Yes. Powdered cellulose is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Powdered cellulose

Q: What is E 460?

E 460 is Powdered cellulose. Powdered cellulose is milled plant fibre used as an anticaking agent and a source of dietary fibre, notably in shredded cheese and baked goods.

E number E460INS 460(ii)CAS 9004-34-6

Listed as a bulking agent by Canada and Codex.

Listed as bulking agents (CA, Codex) · emulsifiers (Codex) · thickeners (Codex) · stabilisers (Codex) · humectants (Codex) · anticaking agents (Codex) · glazing and surface-finishing agents (Codex) · texturisers (CA)

Canada: Bulking agent — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8)
Codex Alimentarius: Bulking agent — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 460(ii)
Codex Alimentarius: Emulsifier — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 460(ii)
Codex Alimentarius: Thickener — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 460(ii)
Codex Alimentarius: Stabilizer — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 460(ii)
Codex Alimentarius: Humectant — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 460(ii)
Codex Alimentarius: Anticaking agent — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 460(ii)
Codex Alimentarius: Glazing agent — CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 460(ii)
Canada: Texturizing agent — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8)

Powdered cellulose is milled plant fibre used as an anticaking agent and a source of dietary fibre, notably in shredded cheese and baked goods.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Powdered cellulose by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
Jurisdiction	Status	Scope and limits	Citation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New Zealand	Permitted, with conditions	56 food categories highest permitted level 5,000 mg/kg Show every food category 0 Preparations of food additives — GMP 1.1.1 Liquid milk (including buttermilk) — GMPOnly UHT goats milk. 1.1.1.1 Liquid milk to which phytosterols, phytostanols or their esters have been added — 5,000 mg/kg 1.1.2 Liquid milk products and flavoured liquid milk — GMP 1.2.2 Fermented milk products and rennetted milk products — GMP 1.3 Condensed milk and evaporated milk — GMP 1.4.1 Cream, reduced cream and light cream — GMPOnly UHT creams and creams receiving equivalent or greater heat treatments. 1.4.2 Cream products (flavoured, whipped, thickened, sour cream etc) — GMP 1.5 Dried milk, milk powder, cream powder — GMP 1.6 Cheese and cheese products — GMP 10.2 Liquid egg products — GMP 10.3 Frozen egg products — GMP 10.4 Dried or heat coagulated egg products — GMP 11.1 Sugar — GMP 11.1.1 Rainbow sugar — GMP 11.3.1 Dried honey — GMP 11.4 Tabletop sweeteners — GMP 12.1.2 Reduced sodium salt mixture — GMP 12.1.3 Salt substitute — GMP 12.5 Yeast and yeast products — GMP 12.6 Vegetable protein products — GMP 13.3 Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods — GMP 13.4 Formulated supplementary sports foods — GMP 13.5 Food for special medical purposes — GMP 14.1.1.2 Carbonated, mineralised and soda waters — GMP 14.1.2.1 Fruit and vegetable juices — GMPFor juice separated by other than mechanical means only. 14.1.2.2 Fruit and vegetable juice products — GMP 14.1.3 Water based flavoured drinks — GMP 14.1.4 Formulated Beverages — GMP 14.1.5 Coffee, coffee substitutes, tea, herbal infusions and similar products — GMP 14.2.3 Wine based drinks and reduced alcohol wines — GMP 14.2.4.1 Fruit wine products and vegetable wine products — GMP 14.2.5 Spirits and liqueurs — GMP 14.3 Alcoholic beverages not included in item 14.2 — GMP 2.1 Edible oils essentially free of water — GMP 2.2.1.2 Butter products — GMP 2.2.1.3 Margarine and similar products — GMP 2.2.2 Oil emulsions (<80% oil) — GMP 20 Foods not included in items 0 to 14 — GMP 3 Ice cream and edible ices — GMP 4.1.3 Fruits and vegetables that are peeled, cut, or both peeled and cut — GMP 4.3 Processed fruits and vegetables — GMP 5.1 Chocolate and cocoa products — GMP 5.2 Sugar confectionery — GMP 5.4 Icings and frostings — GMP 6.3 Processed cereal and meal products — GMP 6.4 Flour products (including noodles and pasta) — GMP 7 Breads and bakery products — GMP 8.2 Processed meat, poultry and game products in whole cuts or pieces — GMP 8.3 Processed comminuted meat, poultry and game products, other than products listed in item 8.3.2 — GMP 8.3.2 Sausage and sausage meat containing raw, unprocessed meat — GMP 8.4 Edible casings — GMP 8.5 Animal protein products — GMP 9.2 Processed fish and fish products — GMP 9.3 Semi preserved fish and fish products — GMP 9.4 Fully preserved fish including canned fish products — GMP	Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, S15—5and 55 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth Canada	Permitted, with conditions	highest permitted level 5,000 % 11 permitted uses Show every permitted use In: Batter; Breading. Purpose: Bulking agent. Limit: 1%. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(a) In: Canapé toast. Purpose: Bulking agent. Limit: 2%. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(b) In: Dry mixes for sweet baked goods. Purpose: Bulking agent. Limit: 8% in the food as consumed. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0031. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(c) In: Fillings. Purpose: Bulking agent. Limit: 5,000 ppm. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(d) In: Foods sold in tablet form. Purpose: Bulking agent. Limit: 50%. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(e) In: Horseradish and mustard powders (wasabi-like powders). Purpose: Bulking agent; Texturizing agent. Limit: 8%. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0135. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(f) In: Icings. Purpose: Bulking agent. Limit: 1%. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(g) In: Seasonings. Purpose: Bulking agent. Limit: 3%. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(h) In: Sweet baked goods. Purpose: Bulking agent. Limit: 8%. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(i) In: Unstandardized confectionery that meet the conditions set out in column 2 of the item 3 of the document entitled "Nutrition Labelling — Table of Permitted Nutrient Content Statements and Claims", published by the Government of Canada on its website, for the subject "Reduced in energy" set out in column 1 of the same table. Purpose: Bulking agent. Limit: 25%. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0187 Table of Permitted Nutrient Content Statements and Claims. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(j) In: Unstandardized edible ices. Purpose: Bulking agent. Limit: 3%. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8), item C.16(k)	Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Additives with Other Purposes of Use (List 8)and 10 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSA	Permitted, with conditions	78 food categories Show every food category 1.3 unflavoured fermented milk products heat-treated after fermentation — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 1.6.2 Unflavoured live fermented cream products and substitute products, both with a fat content of less than 20 % — quantum satisquantum satis. 1.6.3 other creams — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 1.7.1 unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisquantum satis. only grated and sliced mozzarella. 1.7.1 unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except mozzarella. 1.7.4 whey cheese — quantum satisquantum satis. only grated and sliced cheese. 1.7.5 processed cheese — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML =10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid;E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressedas guanylic acid. 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisquantum satis. only grated and sliced ripened and unripened products; unripened soft spreadable cheese products’. 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 10.2 processed eggs and egg products — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML =10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid;E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressedas guanylic acid. 11.2 Other sugars and syrups — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 11.4.1 table-top sweeteners in liquid form — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Cellulose. quantum satis. 11.4.2 table-top sweeteners in powder form — quantum satisquantum satis. 11.4.3 table-top sweeteners in tablets — quantum satisquantum satis. 11.4.3 table-top sweeteners in tablets — quantum satisquantum satis. 11.4.3 table-top sweeteners in tablets — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Cellulose. quantum satis. 12.1.2 salt substitutes — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 12.2.1 Herbs and spices — quantum satisquantum satis. only when dried. 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 12.3 Vinegars and diluted acetic acid (diluted with water to 4-30 % by volume) — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 12.4 Mustard — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 12.5 Soups and broths — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 12.6 Sauces — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 12.7 Salads and savoury-based sandwich spreads — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 12.8 Yeast and yeast products — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 12.9 Protein products excluding products covered in category 1 8 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 13.3 Total diet replacement for weight control food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juicesPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only vegetable juices. 14.1.3 Fruit nectars as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable nectars and similar productsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only vegetable nectars, E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.1.4 Flavoured_drinksPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E 421, E 953, E 965, E 966 and E 967 may not be used E 968 may not be used except where specifically provided for in this food category. 14.1.5.2 otherPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. excluding unflavoured leaf tea; including flavoured instant coffee; E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used in drinks. 14.2.3 Cider and perryPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made winePermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.5 MeadPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except whisky or whiskey; E 420, E421, E 953, E 965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used except in liqueurs. 14.2.7.1 Aromatised winesPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.7.2 Aromatised wine-based drinksPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktailsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 %Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 420, E421, E 953, E 965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 15.1 Potato- cereal- flour- or starch-based snacks — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 15.2 Processed nuts — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 16 Desserts excluding products covered in category 1 3 and 4 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 17.1 food supplements supplied in a solid form excluding food supplements for infants and young children’,Permitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 410, E 412, E 415, E 417 and E 425 may not be used to produce dehydrated food supplements intended to rehydrate on ingestion. 17.2 food supplements supplied in a liquid form excluding food supplements for Infants and young children — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 18 Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 18.1 Processed foods not covered by categories 18.2 and 18.3, excluding foods for infants and young children — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 18.2 Meal replacement for weight control as referred to in Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 18.3 Food specially produced to reduce the gluten content of gluten-containing ingredients or substitute the gluten-containing ingredientsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. Including dry pasta. 2.2.2 Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 2.3 Vegetable oil pan spray — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 3 edible ices — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 4.2.1 dried fruit and vegetablesPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. E 410, E 412, E 415 and E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion. 4.2.2 fruit and vegetables in vinegar oil or brine — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 4.2.5.4 nut butters and nut spreads — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 4.2.6 processed potato products — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/ECPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only energy-reduced or with no added sugars. 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweetsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. The substances listed under numbers E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403, E 404, E 406, E 407, 407a, E 410, E 412, E 413, E 414, E 415, E 417, E 418, E 425 and E 440 may not be used in jelly mini-cups, defined, for the purpose of this Regulation, as jelly confectionery of a firm consistence, contained in semi rigid mini-cups or mini-capsules, intended to be ingested in a single bite by exerting pressure on the mini-cups or mini-capsule to project the confectionery into the mouth; E 410, E 412, E 415 E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion. E425 may not be used in jelly confectionery. 5.3 chewing gum — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 6.2.2 starches — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 6.3 breakfast cereals — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 6.4.2 Dry pasta — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 6.4.4 Potato GnocchiPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except fresh refrigerated potato gnocchi. 6.4.5 fillings of stuffed pasta (ravioli and similar) — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 6.5 Noodles — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 6.6 Batters — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 6.7 pre-cooked or processed cereals — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 7.1 Bread and rollsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except products in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. 7.2 Fine bakery wares — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated processed meat — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat productsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. except foie gras, foie gras entier, blocs de foie gras, Libamáj, libamáj egészben, libamáj tömbben. 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — several limitsPermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. ML = quantum satis; except E 425 ML = 10000 mg/kg; E 620 to E 625, ML = 10000 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as glutamic acid; E 626 to E 635, ML = 500 mg/kg individually or in combination, expressed as guanylic acid. 9.3 fish roePermitted as a member of Group I, Additives. only processed fish roe.	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008and 77 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards Scotland	Permitted, with conditions	74 food categories Show every food category 1.3 Unflavoured fermented milk products, heat-treated after fermentation — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 1.4 Flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 1.6.2 Unflavoured live fermented cream products and substitute products with a fat content of less than 20 % — quantum satisquantum satis. 1.6.3 Other creams — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 1.7.1 Unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except mozzarella. 1.7.1 Unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisquantum satis. only grated and sliced mozzarella. 1.7.2 Ripened cheese — quantum satisquantum satis. only sliced and grated ripened cheese. 1.7.4 Whey cheese — quantum satisquantum satis. only grated and sliced cheese. 1.7.5 Processed cheese — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisquantum satis. only grated and sliced ripened products and unripened products. 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 10.2 Processed eggs and egg products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 11.2 Other sugars and syrups — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 11.4.2 Table-top sweeteners in powder form — quantum satisquantum satis. 11.4.3 Table-top sweeteners in tablets — quantum satisquantum satis. 12.1.2 Salt substitutes — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.2.1 Herbs and spices — quantum satisquantum satis. only when dried. 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.3 Vinegars and diluted acetic acid (diluted with water to 4-30 % by volume) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.4 Mustard — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.5 Soups and broths — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.6 Sauces — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.7 Salads and savoury based sandwich spreads — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.8 Yeast and yeast products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 12.9 Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.8 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 13.2 Dietary foods for special medical purposes defined in Directive 1999/21/EC (excluding products from food category 13.1.5) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 13.3 Dietary foods for weight control diets intended to replace total daily food intake or an individual meal (the whole or part of the total daily diet) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 13.4 Foods suitable for people intolerant to gluten as defined by Commission Regulation (EC) No 41/2009 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. including dry pasta. 14.1.2 Fruit juices as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable juices — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only vegetable juices. 14.1.3 Fruit nectars as defined by Directive 2001/112/EC and vegetable nectars and similar products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only vegetable nectars, E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.1.4 Flavoured drinks — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E 421, E 953, E 965, E 966 and E 967 may not be used E 968 may not be used except where specifically provided for in this food category. 14.1.5.2 Other — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. excluding unflavoured leaf tea; including flavoured instant coffee; E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used in drinks. 14.2.3 Cider and perry — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.5 Mead — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except whisky or whiskey; E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used except in liqueurs. 14.2.7.1 Aromatised wines — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.7.2 Aromatised wine-based drinks — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 14.2.8 Other alcoholic drinks including mixtures of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and spirits with less than 15 % of alcohol — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 420, E421, E 953, E965, E 966, E 967 and E 968 may not be used. 15.1 Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 15.2 Processed nuts — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 16 Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3 and 4 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 17.1 Food supplements supplied in a solid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 410, E 412, E 415, E 417 and E 425 may not be used to produce dehydrated food supplements intended to rehydrate on ingestion. 17.2 Food supplements supplied in a liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 18 Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17, excluding foods for infants and young children — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 2.2.2 Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 2.3 Vegetable oil pan spray — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 3 Edible ices — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 4.2.1 Dried fruit and vegetables — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. E 410, E 412, E 415 E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion. 4.2.2 Fruit and vegetables in vinegar, oil, or brine — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 4.2.5.4 Nut butters and nut spreads — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 4.2.6 Processed potato products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/EC — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only energy-reduced or with no added sugar. 5.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. The substances listed under numbers E 400, E 401, E 402, E 403, E 404, E 406, E 407, 407a, E 410, E 412, E 413, E 414, E 415, E 417, E 418, E 425 and E 440 may not be used in jelly mini-cups, defined, for the purpose of this Regulation, as jelly confectionery of a firm consistence, contained in semi rigid mini-cups or mini-capsules, intended to be ingested in a single bite by exerting pressure on the mini-cups or mini-capsule to project the confectionery into the mouth; E 410, E 412, E 415 E 417 may not be used to produce dehydrated foods intended to rehydrate on ingestion. E425 may not be used in jelly confectionery. 5.3 Chewing gum — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.2.2 Starches — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.3 Breakfast cereals — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.4.2 Dry pasta — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only gluten free and/or pasta intended for hypoproteic diets in accordance with Directive 2009/39/EC. 6.4.4 Potato gnocchi — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except fresh refrigerated potato gnocchi. 6.4.5 Fillings of stuffed pasta (ravioli and similar) — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.5 Noodles — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.6 Batters — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 6.7 Pre-cooked or processed cereals — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 7.1 Bread and rolls — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except products in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. 7.2 Fine bakery wares — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated meat products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. except foie gras, foie gras entier, blocs de foie gras, Libamáj, libamáj egészben, libamáj tömbben. 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. 9.3 Fish roe — quantum satisPermitted as a member of Group I. quantum satis. only processed fish roe.	Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008and 73 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs Agency	No listing matchedThis site imports only Japan’s list of designated additives (Appended Table 1 to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act), matched by English name. Existing additives, natural flavouring agents and ordinary foods used as additives are permitted outside that list and are not imported, so an empty row does not show that Japan does not permit the substance.
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug Safety	Permitted, with conditions	Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. … Designated food additive: Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, Part III, 1. 일반식품첨가물 (general food additives), 분말셀룰로스 (“Cellulose, Powdered”, the English the Code prints beside it). Main use (주용도) of 분말셀룰로스: 증점제, 안정제, 고결방지제. Standard for use (사용기준) of 분말셀룰로스: (1) [to be used under the general standard for use in II. 2. 1), the minimum amount that achieves the technical effect, with no limit set for this additive in particular] “II. 2. 1)의 규정에 따라 사용하여야 한다.” The Korean is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the current Code (the English version on MFDS’s website is the 2020 edition and has no legal effect); the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications (Part IV) are not imported, nor are the general standards in Part II, which apply to every additive.	Standards and Specifications for Food Additives (식품첨가물의 기준 및 규격), MFDS Notification, Part III (Standards for use, by item)retrieved 2026-10-18
United StatesFood and Drug Administration	Not listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFA	Permitted, with conditions	20 food categories highest permitted level 10,000 mg/kg Show every food category and its notes 01.2.1.1 Fermented milks (plain), not heat-treated after fermentation — GMP Note 234 For use as a stabilizer or thickener only. Note 235 For use in reconstituted and recombined products conforming to the Standard for Fermented Milks (CXS 243-2003) only. 01.2.1.2 Fermented milks (plain), heat-treated after fermentation — GMP Note 234 For use as a stabilizer or thickener only. 01.2.2 Renneted milk (plain) — GMP 01.4.1 Pasteurized cream (plain) — GMP Note XS288 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Cream and Prepared Creams (CXS 288-1976) 01.4.2 Sterilized and UHT creams, whipping and whipped creams, and reduced fat creams (plain) — GMP 01.5.1 Milk powder and cream powder (plain) — GMP Note 549 Except for use in products conforming to the Standard for Edible Casein Products (CXS 290-1995): bone phosphate (INS 542), calcium carbonate (INS 170(i)), calcium silicate (INS 552), hydroxypropyldistarch phosphate (INS 1442), magnesium carbonate (INS 504(i)), magnesium oxide (INS 530), magnesium silicate, synthetic (INS 553(i)), microcrystalline cellulose (cellulose gel) (INS 460(i)), powdered cellulose (INS 460(ii)), silicon dioxide, amorphous (INS 551), talc (INS 553(iii)), calcium dihydrogen phosphate (INS 341(i)), calcium hydrogen phosphate (INS 341(ii)), tricalcium phosphate (INS 341(iii)) magnesium dihydrogen phosphate (INS 343(i)), magnesium hydrogen phosphate (INS 343(ii)) and trimagnesium phosphate (INS 343(iii)), as anticaking agents only, singly or in combination at 4,400 mg/kg, noting the total amount of phosphorus shall not exceed 4,400 mg/kg. Note XS207 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Standard for Milk Powders and Cream Powder (CXS 207-1999) 01.8.2 Dried whey and whey products, excluding whey cheeses — 10,000 mg/kg Note XS331 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dairy Permeate Powders (CXS 331-2017). 08.1.1 Fresh meat, poultry and game, whole pieces or cuts — GMP Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only. Note 326 For use in fresh meat, poultry and game products only. 08.1.2 Fresh meat, poultry and game, comminuted — GMP Note 281 For use in fresh minced meat which contains other ingredients apart from comminuted meat only. 09.2.1 Frozen fish, fish fillets, and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only. Note XS36 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Finfish, Uneviscerated and Eviscerated (CODEX STAN 36-1981). Note XS92 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Shrimps and Prawns (CODEX STAN 92-1981). Note XS95 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Lobsters (CODEX STAN 95-1981). Note XS165 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Blocks of Fish Fillet, Minced Fish Flesh and Mixtures of Fillets and Minced Fish Flesh (CODEX STAN 165-1989). Note XS190 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Fillets (CODEX STAN 190-1995). Note XS191 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Raw Squid (CODEX STAN 191-1995). Note XS292 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs (CODEX STAN 292-2008). Note XS312 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Live Abalone and for Raw Fresh Chilled or Frozen Abalone for Direct Consumption or for Further Processing (CODEX STAN 312-2013). Note XS315 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Fresh and Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products (CODEX STAN 315-2014). 09.2.2 Frozen battered fish, fish fillets and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only. Note XS166 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish Portions and Fish Fillets – Breaded or in Batter (CODEX STAN 166-1989). 09.2.3 Frozen minced and creamed fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only. 09.2.4.1 Cooked fish and fish products — GMP Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only. Note 325 For general use in surimi products. 09.2.4.2 Cooked molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only. 09.2.4.3 Fried fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP Note 41 For use in breading or batter coatings only. Note 325 For general use in surimi products. Note 332 For general use as a glazing agent. 09.2.5 Smoked, dried, fermented, and/or salted fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — GMP Note 300 For use in salted squid only. Note 332 For general use as a glazing agent. Note XS167 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Salted Fish and Dried Salted Fish of the Gadidae Family of Fishes (CODEX STAN 167-1989). Note XS189 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Shark Fins (CODEX STAN 189-1993). Note XS222 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Crackers from Marine and Freshwater Fish, Crustaceans and Molluscan Shellfish (CODEX STAN 222-2001). Note XS236 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Boiled Dried Salted Anchovies (CODEX STAN 236-2003). Note XS244 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Salted Atlantic Herring and Salted Sprat (CODEX STAN 244-2004). Note XS311 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Smoked Fish, Smoked-flavoured Fish and Smoke-dried Fish (CODEX STAN 311-2013). 11.4 Other sugars and syrups (e.g. xylose, maple syrup, sugar toppings) — GMP Note 258 Excluding maple syrup. 12.1.2 Salt substitutes — GMP 12.2.1 Herbs and spices — GMP Note 534 For herbs use is limited to herbs that have been ground or processed into powder only, as an anticaking agent. Note XS326 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Black, White and Green Peppers (CODEX STAN 326-2017). Note XS351 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Floral Parts - Saffron (CXS 351-2022). 14.1.5 Coffee, coffee substitutes, tea, herbal infusions, and other hot cereal and grain beverages, excluding cocoa — GMP Note 160 For use in ready-to-drink products and pre-mixes for ready-to-drink products only.	CXS 192-1995 Table Three, INS 460(ii)and 20 further provisionsretrieved 2026-09-07

How much is permitted

A listing usually limits the quantity as well as the food. Only one of the forms that takes is a figure: quantum satis and good manufacturing practice permit the amount the technological effect requires and no more, which is a limit rather than the absence of one. Figures below are the range across every food category this page is listed in, and categories differ between regulators — see how much is permitted.

Australia and New Zealand	5,000 mg/kg	1 numeric limit, 55 GMP
Canada	5,000 mg/kg – 500,000 mg/kg	11 numeric limit
European Union	—	46 several limits, 10 quantum satis, 22 no quantity stated
Great Britain	—	74 quantum satis
South Korea	—	1 no quantity stated
Codex Alimentarius	10,000 mg/kg	1 numeric limit, 20 GMP

What it is made from

Mechanically milled from purified wood pulp. Unlike the modified celluloses it is not chemically altered — only cleaned and ground.

Vegan
Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

CAS registry number: 9004-34-6

The two specifications, compared

The European Union sets identity and purity by regulation; JECFA publishes its own through FAO, advisory until a country adopts it. Both documents are below in full. These are the parameters each puts a number on.

Parameter	European Union	JECFA
Assay	no less than 92 %	no less than 97 %
Loss on drying	no more than 7 %	no more than 7 %
Sulphated ash	no more than 0.3 %	no more than 0.05 %
Lead	no more than 0.3 mg/kg	no more than 2 mg/kg
Arsenic	no more than 0.1 mg/kg	—
Mercury	no more than 0.2 mg/kg	—
Cadmium	no more than 0.1 mg/kg	—

3 parameters differ between the two documents. A difference is not a disagreement about safety: the two are revised on their own cycles, and an assay or a drying loss can be measured against a different preparation of the substance, which is why only the contaminant ceilings are marked. Within the EU the EU's figure is the one that binds.

How the EU defines it

The legal specification an additive must meet to be sold as this E number in the EU — what it is, how it may be made, and the purity it must reach. From Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

E 460(ii) Powdered cellulose

Purified, mechanically disintegrated cellulose prepared by processing alpha-cellulose obtained as a pulp from strains of fibrous plant materials

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

CAS number: 9004-34-6
Einecs: 232-674-9
Chemical name: Cellulose; Linear polymer of 1:4 linked glucose residues
Chemical formula: (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ
Molecular weight: (162)ₙ (n is predominantly 1 000 and greater)
Assay: Content not less than 92 %
Particle size: Not less than 5 μm (not more than 10 % of particles of less than 5 μm)
Description: A white, odourless powder

Identification

Solubility: Insoluble in water, ethanol, ether and dilute mineral acids. Slightly soluble in sodium hydroxide solution
Suspension test: Mix 30 g of the sample with 270 ml of water in a high-speed (12 000 rpm) power blender for 5 minutes. The resultant mixture will be either a free-flowing suspension or a heavy, lumpy suspension which flows poorly, if at all, settles only slightly and contains many trapped air bubbles. If a free-flowing suspension is obtained, transfer 100 ml into a 100-ml graduated cylinder and allow to stand for 1 hour. The solids settles and a supernatant liquid appears
pH: The pH of the supernatant liquid is between 5,0 and 7,5 (10 % suspension in water)

Purity criteria

Loss on drying: Not more than 7 % (105 °C, 3 hours)
Water soluble matter: Not more than 1,0 %
Sulphated ash: Not more than 0,3 % (800 ± 25 °C)
Starch: Not detectable To 20 ml of the dispersion obtained in Identification, suspension test, add a few drops of iodine solution and mix. No purplish to blue or blue colour should be produced
Arsenic: Not more than 0,1 mg/kg
Lead: Not more than 0,3 mg/kg
Mercury: Not more than 0,2 mg/kg
Cadmium: Not more than 0,1 mg/kg

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 460(ii)

How JECFA defines it

The international specification for identity and purity, prepared by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and published by FAO. It is a different document from any above, written by a different body and revised on its own cycle; it is advisory, and a country adopts it or does not.

INS 460(i) Microcrystalline Cellulose

Purified, partially depolymerized cellulose prepared by treating alpha- cellulose, obtained as a pulp from fibrous plant material, with mineral acids. The degree of polymerization is typically less than 400. Not more than 10% of the particles have a diameter below 5 μm.

Synonyms: Cellulose gel; INS No. 460(i)

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history: 1 out of 3 Prepared at the 84 th JECFA (2017) and published in FAO JECFA Monographs 20 (2017), superseding specifications prepared at the 55 th JECFA (2000) and published in Combined Compendium of Food Additive Specifications, FAO JECFA Monographs 1, Vol. 2 (2006). An ADI “Not specified” was established at the 49 th JECFA (1998).
Chemical names: Cellulose
C.A.S. number: 9004-34-6
Chemical formula: (C6H10O5)n
Assay: Not less than 97% of carbohydrate calculated as cellulose on the dry basis.
DESCRIPTION: Fine, white or almost white, odourless, free flowing crystalline powder.
FUNCTIONAL USES: Emulsifier, stabilizer, anticaking agent, dispersing agent
METHOD OF ASSAY: Transfer about 125 mg of the sample, accurately weighed, to a 300 mL Erlenmeyer flask, using about 25 mL of water. Add 50.0 mL of 0.5N potassium dichromate and mix. Carefully add 100 mL of sulfuric acid and heat to boiling. Remove from heat, allow to stand at room temperature for 15 min and cool in a water bath. Transfer the contents into a 250 mL volumetric flask, rinse flask with distilled water, add rinsings to the volumetric flask and dilute with water almost to volume. Allow the volumetric flask to reach room temperature (25°); then make up to volume with water and mix. Titrate a 50.0 mL aliquot with 0.1 N ferrous ammonium sulfate using 2 or 3 drops of ortho-phenanthroline TS as the indicator and record the volume required as S in mL. Perform a blank determination and record the volume of 0.1 N ferrous 3 out of 3 ammonium sulfate required as B in mL. Calculate the percentage of cellulose in the sample using the formula: ( 𝐵𝐵 − 𝑆𝑆 ) × 𝑊𝑊 Where: - W is the weight of sample taken, in mg, corrected for loss on drying.

Identification

Solubility (Vol. 4): Insoluble in water and ethanol. Practically insoluble or insoluble in sodium hydroxide solution (50 g/L)
Infrared absorption: The infrared absorption spectrum of a potassium bromide dispersion of the sample corresponds to the infrared spectrum below.
Suspension formation: Mix 30 g of the sample with 270 mL of water in a high-speed (18,000 rpm) blender for 5 min. Transfer 100 mL of the mixture to a 100-mL graduated cylinder, and allow to stand for 3 h. A white, 2 out of 3 opaque, bubble- free dispersion that forms a supernatant, is obtained.

Purity criteria

Loss on drying (Vol. 4): Not more than 7.0% (105°, 3 h)
pH (Vol. 4): 5.0 - 7.5 Shake 5 g of the sample with 40 mL of water for 20 min and centrifuge. Determine the pH of the supernatant.
Sulfated ash (Vol. 4): Not more than 0.05% Test 10 g of the sample (Method I)
Water soluble Substances: Not more than 0.24%. Shake 5 g of the sample with approximately 80 mL of water for 10 min, filter through Whatman No. 42 or equivalent filter paper into a tared beaker, wash residue with 20 mL of water and evaporate to dryness on a steam bath. Dry at 105° for 1 h, cool, weigh and calculate as percentage.
Starch: Not detectable To 20 mL of the dispersion obtained in the identification test for starch, add a few drops of iodine TS, and mix. No purplish to blue or blue colour should be obtained.
Lead (Vol. 4): Not more than 2 mg/kg Determine using a method appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on principles of methods described in Volume 4 (under “General Methods, Metallic Impurities”).
Appendix: Infrared spectrum of microcrystalline cellulose

FAO JECFA Monograph 20 (2017)

INS 460(ii) Powdered Cellulose

Synonyms: INS No. 460(ii)

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Specification history: Prepared at the 20th JECFA (1976), published in FNS 1B (1977) and in FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 57th JECFA (2001). An ADI 'not specified' was established at the 20th JECFA (1976)
Chemical names: Cellulose, linear polymer of 1:4 linked glucose residues
C.A.S. number: 9004-34-6
Chemical formula: (C 12 H 20 O 10 ) n
Formula weight: (324) n (n is predominantly 500 and greater) Of the order of 1.6 x 10 5 and greater
Assay: Not less than 92% (C 12 H 20 O 10 ) n
DESCRIPTION: Purified, mechanically disintegrated cellulose prepared by processing alpha cellulose obtained as a pulp from fibrous plant materials; occurs as a white, odourless substance consisting of fibrous particles which may be compressed into self-binding tablets which disintegrate rapidly in water; exists in various grades exhibiting degrees of fineness ranging from a dense free flowing powder to a coarse, fluffy non-flowing material.
FUNCTIONAL USES: Anticaking agent, dispersing agent, texturizing agent

Identification

Solubility (Vol. 4): Insoluble in water, ethanol, ether and dilute mineral acids. Slightly soluble in sodium hydroxide solution
Suspension formation: Mix 30 g of the sample with 270 ml of water in a high-speed (12,000 rpm) power blender for 5 min. The resultant mixture will be either a free-flowing suspension or a heavy, lumpy suspension which flows poorly, if at all, settles only slightly and contains many trapped air bubbles. If a free flowing suspension is obtained, transfer 100 ml into a 100-ml graduated cylinder and allow to stand for 1 h. The solids settles and a supernatant liquid appears.

Purity criteria

Loss on drying (Vol. 4): Not more than 7% after drying (105 o , 3 h)
pH (Vol. 4): 5.0 - 7.5 Mix 10 g of the dried sample, accurately weighed, with 90 ml water and allow to stand with occasional stirring for 1 h.
Water soluble substances: Not more than 1.5% Mix about 6 g of the sample, previously dried, with 90 ml of recently boiled and cooled water and allow to stand with occasional stirring for 10 min. Filter, discard the first 10 ml of filtrate and pass the filtrate through the same filter a second time if necessary to obtain a clear filtrate. Evaporate a 15 ml portion of the filtrate to dryness in a tared evaporation dish on a steam bath, dry at 105 o for 1 h. Not more than 15 mg of residue is obtained.
Total ash (Vol. 4): Not more than 0.3% (at approximately 800 o to constant weight).
Starch: Not detectable To 20 ml of the mixture obtained in the Identification Test B add a few drops of iodine TS and mix. No purplish-to-blue or blue colour is produced.
Lead (Vol. 4): Not more than 2 mg/kg Determine using an atomic absorption technique appropriate to the specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in Volume 4, “Instrumental Methods.”

FAO JECFA Monograph 1 (2006)

Authorised in other additives, enzymes, flavourings and nutrients

These authorisations are not for use in food. They let this substance be used inside another additive, a food enzyme, a flavouring or a nutrient preparation — often as a carrier — and it reaches food only as part of that product. Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.

Part	May be used in	Maximum level	Citation
Annex III, Part 1: Carriers in food additives	All food additives	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 1
Annex III, Part 2: Food additives other than carriers in food additives	All food additive preparationsAuthorised as a member of Table 1 of Part 6, listed as "Table 1" Note (1): Except enzymes authorised as food additives.	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 2, via Table 1 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 3: Food additives including carriers in food enzymes	Food enzymesCan be used as a carrier: Yes Note (1): Including enzymes authorised as food additives.	In enzyme preparation: quantum satis In final food except beverages: quantum satis In beverages: quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 3
Annex III, Part 4: Food additives including carriers in food flavourings	All flavouringsAuthorised as a member of Table 1 of Part 6, listed as "Table 1"	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 4, via Table 1 of Part 6
Annex III, Part 5, Section A: Food additives added in nutrients except in nutrients intended to be used in foodstuffs listed in Part E, point 01.10, of Annex II and foodstuffs for infants and young children listed in Part E, point 13.1, of Annex II	All nutrientsCan be used as a carrier: Yes	quantum satis	Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex III, Part 5, Section A

Every name it appears under

22 recorded names. A label may use any of them.

E number

E460
E460(ii)

INS number

460(ii)

CAS registry number

9004-34-6

As it appears in regulation

Cellulose
Powdered cellulose

Other names

Cellulose
E 460(ii)
POWDERED CELLULOSE

Hazard reference values

No reference value for this substance in the sources we hold.

Evidence and how bodies read it

What assessing bodies concluded

Each conclusion is paraphrased in the body's own framing, from the published opinion linked beneath it. Where bodies differ, both stand; this site does not adjudicate between them or add a view of its own.

EFSA 2018
The ANS Panel concluded, using read-across between the celluloses, that there was no genotoxic or carcinogenic concern for unmodified and modified celluloses (E 460–E 469), that no numerical ADI is needed, and that there would be no safety concern at the reported uses and use levels.
Source document

Common questions

Assembled from what is above, in the words the questions are usually asked in. Each answer is the same statement the relevant section makes, with the same citations behind it.

What is E 460?: E 460 is Powdered cellulose. Powdered cellulose is milled plant fibre used as an anticaking agent and a source of dietary fibre, notably in shredded cheese and baked goods.
What is Powdered cellulose used for in food?: It is listed as a bulking agent — the role Canada and Codex assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Powdered cellulose permitted?: Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the EU, Great Britain, South Korea and the Codex standard permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.
Is Powdered cellulose vegan?: Yes. Powdered cellulose is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

anz retrieved 2026-10-17
ca retrieved 2026-10-17
eu retrieved 2026-10-18
gb retrieved 2026-10-18
kr retrieved 2026-10-18
gsfa retrieved 2026-09-07
euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18
jecfaspecs retrieved 2026-09-23

Full licence terms and publisher details on Sources. How this page is built and updated: Method.

Machine-readable: a JSON record of this additive is given on request —how to ask for access.

Follow changes to Powdered cellulose:Atom feed — regulatory events, and any change the weekly refresh detects in its provisions.