Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose e number

Introduction

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a widely used food additive with the E number E466. It is a white, odorless, tasteless powder that is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many food products. CMC is a derivative of cellulose, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in plants. It is produced by reacting cellulose with sodium hydroxide and monochloroacetic acid. CMC is used in a variety of food products, including ice cream, salad dressings, sauces, and baked goods. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and detergents.

Chemical Structure

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is an anionic polysaccharide composed of repeating units of D-glucose and D-mannose. The chemical structure of CMC is shown in Figure 1. The repeating units are linked together by glycosidic bonds. The carboxymethyl groups are attached to the hydroxyl groups of the glucose and mannose units. This gives the molecule a negative charge, which is responsible for its water-soluble properties.

Figure 1. Chemical structure of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Properties

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose has several unique properties that make it useful in food products. It is a non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-allergenic substance. It is also an excellent thickener and stabilizer, which makes it ideal for use in sauces and dressings. CMC is also an effective emulsifier, which helps to keep oil and water-based ingredients from separating. It is also resistant to heat, acid, and alkali, which makes it suitable for use in a variety of food products.

Uses

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used in a variety of food products, including ice cream, salad dressings, sauces, and baked goods. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and detergents. In food products, CMC is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It helps to keep ingredients from separating and improves the texture and consistency of the product. In pharmaceuticals, CMC is used as a binder and disintegrant. In cosmetics, it is used as a thickener and stabilizer. In detergents, it is used as a dispersant and emulsifier.

Safety

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also approved for use in food products in the European Union. CMC is non-toxic and non-allergenic, and it has been used in food products for over 50 years. However, it is important to note that CMC can absorb water, which can cause it to swell and become viscous. This can lead to choking if the product is not consumed properly.

Conclusion

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a widely used food additive with the E number E466. It is a white, odorless, tasteless powder that is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many food products. CMC is a derivative of cellulose, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in plants. It is produced by reacting cellulose with sodium hydroxide and monochloroacetic acid. CMC is used in a variety of food products, including ice cream, salad dressings, sauces, and baked goods. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and detergents. CMC is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is approved for use in food products in the European Union.