



The applicant claims that the feed additive HPMC is specified to be manufactured to meet the specifications set for its use as a food additive. The main specifications as food and feed additive are: methoxyl groups ≥ 19 and ≤ 30%, hydroxypropoxyl groups ≥ 3 and ≤ 12%, loss on drying < 10%, sulfated ash < 1.5% (for products with viscosities of 50 mPa.s or above) or < 3% (for products with viscosities below 50 mPa.s). Five batches of the additive were analysed for some of the above specifications, resulting in: methoxyl groups (four batches) 23.5–29.2%, hydroxypropoxyl groups (four batches) 5.2–8.4%, loss on drying (one batch) 1.2% and sulfated ash (one batch) 0.6%. Only statements, without figures, of compliance with the specifications for some impurities (heavy metals, arsenic, solvents, microbial purity) were provided. Information on other impurities ((pesticides, dioxins, dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, mycotoxins, botanical impurities) was not provided.
Improved Adhesion:


Methyl cellulose (MC) and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) are two types of cellulose-based polymers. Both are white powders used in a variety of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and construction. But what is the difference between methyl cellulose and HPMC?



Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose meeting the food additive specification is consequently considered safe for all animal species. Setting a maximum content in complete diets is not considered necessary. The low toxicity of celluloses shown in the toxicological studies (see Section 3.2.2) support this conclusion.