3.2.1.1 Cellulose

The safety profile of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by several regulatory authorities worldwide, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These approvals underline the safe use of HPMC in both food products and medicines and number E464 is permitted as an additive of food and medicines.

Regulatory Approvals
HPMC is recognized as a safe food additive and pharmaceutical excipient. In the European Union, HPMC is included in the list of permitted substances that can be added to foods and medicines. The EFSA has evaluated HPMC and concluded that it does not pose a significant risk to public health when used according to approved guidelines and therefore number E464 is authorized for use in food.

Support from scientific studies
A series of scientific studies have extensively investigated the safety of HPMC. These studies have shown that HPMC is safe for consumption and has no toxic effects when ingested within stated limits. The studies focus on several aspects, including the degradation of HPMC in the human body and the absence of allergic reactions, which contributes to its profile as a non-irritating and non-sensitizing substance.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose plays a vital role in the formulation of vitamins and dietary supplements, helping to improve their stability, bioavailability and overall efficacy. As an ingredient with multiple applications, it remains a popular choice for manufacturers looking to improve product quality while meeting the preferences and dietary requirements of a broad consumer base.