


hpmc synthesis.


Moreover, the FEEDAP Panel also noted that methyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose have been used for a long time as vehicles for non-water-soluble substances in several in vivo genotoxicity assays and are recommended for this use by the current OECD test guidelines (e.g. TGs 474, 475, 478 and 483). Based on the available experimental data, neither microcrystalline cellulose nor modified cellulose (including HPMC) raise concern for genotoxicity.

3.1.1 Conditions of use

hydroxyethyl cellulose hec.



Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (E 464) is identified with the single Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number 9004-65-3, and the European Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (EINECS) number 232-674-9. It is manufactured reacting partially depolymerised cellulose with methyl groups and containing a small degree of hydroxypropyl substitution (Figure 11). Since cellulose is a high molecular weight linear polysaccharide of indeterminate mass and its degree of substitution will depend on the conditions of manufacture, a unique mass and structure cannot be specified. HPMC is in the form of white to off-white powder. A generalised structure of HPMC is shown in Figure 11


hydroxypropyl methylcellulose use. HPMC can also be used as a fat replacer in low-fat formulations, providing a creamy and smooth mouthfeel without the added calories.
The following conclusions apply only to HPMC meeting the food additive specifications.