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Generally halal
E466 (Carboxymethylcellulose / cellulose gum) is made from plant cellulose, so it is generally considered halal.
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.
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.
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
CarboxymethylcelluloseCellulose gumE466Thickener (E466)INS number: 466
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.
Yes — it is made from plant cellulose with no animal-derived material, so it is generally considered halal. The finished product still needs verification.
No. It is made from plant cellulose (wood or cotton).
'Carboxymethylcellulose', 'Cellulose gum', 'CMC' or 'E466'.
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.