Is E466 (Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)) Halal?
Generally halal
E466 (Carboxymethylcellulose / cellulose gum) is made from plant cellulose, so it is generally considered halal.
What is E466?
Carboxymethylcellulose, often labelled 'cellulose gum', is a thickener and stabiliser made by chemically modifying plant cellulose (from wood or cotton). It thickens and improves texture in a wide range of foods.
Plant cellulose is treated with chemicals to attach carboxymethyl groups, then purified. The raw material is plant-based; no animal-derived material.
Why is it generally halal?
CMC is made from plant cellulose with no animal-derived material, so it is generally classified as halal. As always, the finished product still needs its own verification.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Ice cream and dairy products
- Sauces, dressings and drinks
- Baked goods and gluten-free foods
- Toothpaste and some medicines
How it appears on labels
CarboxymethylcelluloseCellulose gumE466Thickener (E466)INS number: 466
How to verify a product in Singapore
- Ingredient-level guidance is not halal certification — check the complete product, not just this ingredient.
- Look for recognised halal certification, and check the finished product on the official MUIS HalalSG register.
- When the source or processing aids are unclear, contact the manufacturer.
Ingredient guidance is not certification. Verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or with the manufacturer.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E466 (CMC / cellulose gum) halal?
Yes — it is made from plant cellulose with no animal-derived material, so it is generally considered halal. The finished product still needs verification.
Is cellulose gum from animals?
No. It is made from plant cellulose (wood or cotton).
What names should I look for?
'Carboxymethylcellulose', 'Cellulose gum', 'CMC' or 'E466'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Re-evaluation of carboxymethylcellulose (E 466) as a food additive — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Plant cellulose origin
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · Approved uses and INS number
- Halal Certification — HalalSG — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) · Singapore halal verification process
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.