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Appears Safe

Appears safe based on current evidence

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Appears Safe
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
US EU UK +7

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)

E464 Thickener Appears Safe 1 min read

At a Glance

Safety Rating
Appears Safe
Category
Thickener
E-Number
E464
Banned Somewhere?
No
Controversy Level
Low

Quick Answer

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) (E464) is rated "Appears Safe" according to current evidence. It is approved in the EU and approved in the US. This additive is currently approved in all four major markets (US, EU, UK, Japan).

On This Page

What is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)?

Film coating, thickener

Also known as: HPMC, hypromellose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

Regulatory Status by Country

🇺🇸 US

Check FDA database
Agency: FDA

🇪🇺 EU

Approved
Agency: EFSA

Film coating, thickener

🇬🇧 UK

Same as EU pre-Brexit
Agency: FSA

UK retained EU food additive regulations post-Brexit with some modifications

🇯🇵 Japan

Check MHLW database
Agency: MHLW

🇨🇦 CA

Check Health Canada
Agency: Health Canada

Verify with Health Canada's permitted food additives list.

🇦🇺 AU/NZ

Approved
Agency: FSANZ

Generally aligned with EU standards. Regulated by FSANZ.

🇮🇳 India

Check FSSAI
Agency: FSSAI

Verify with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

🇰🇷 KR

Check MFDS
Agency: MFDS

Verify with South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

🇧🇷 Brazil

Check ANVISA
Agency: ANVISA

Verify with Brazil's ANVISA.

🇨🇳 China

Check GB 2760
Agency: GB 2760

Verify with China's GB 2760 National Food Safety Standard.

Note: Canada, Australia/NZ, India, South Korea, Brazil, and China statuses are inferred from international regulatory patterns. Always verify with the relevant national authority.

Expert Analysis

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is classified as a thickener in the food additive regulatory framework. Current scientific evidence supports its safety when consumed within established limits. This additive is approved across multiple major regulatory markets worldwide, suggesting broad scientific consensus on its safety profile. As with all food additives, moderation is key. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary advice.

Is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) safe?

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) has a safety rating of "Appears Safe". Appears safe based on current evidence

Is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) vegan?

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is generally considered vegan-friendly, though sourcing may vary.

Is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) banned in Europe?

No, Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is Approved in the EU.

What is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) made from?

Film coating, thickener

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) safe?
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) has a safety rating of "Appears Safe" based on regulatory data from 10 countries including the US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and more. Appears safe based on current evidence Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) banned in any country?
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is currently approved in major markets including the US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and more, though specific regulations and permitted uses may vary between countries.
What is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) used for?
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is a food additive in the "Thickener" category. Film coating, thickener

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