thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers

E466 — Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Salt

Thickener, stabiliser and water retention agent

Also known as: CMC · Cellulose Gum · Carboxymethylcellulose · Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

Permissible

Yes — Halal

Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

Function Thickener, stabiliser and water retention agent
Found in ice cream, gluten-free bread & more
Source cellulose (plant) + sodium chloroacetate (synthetic)

School of Thought Breakdown

Hanafi

Permitted

Maliki

Permitted

Shafi'i

Permitted

Hanbali

Permitted

Plant-derived - halal.

What to do with this product

Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2

1

Safe to consume

E466 is permissible across all major schools of Islamic thought. No further verification is needed for this specific additive.

Permissible — no verification required
2

Still check the rest of the ingredients list

Other E-codes on the same label may have a different halal status. Use our database or scanner to verify each one.

Always verify the complete label

You're all clear for this additive

E466 is permissible. Focus your label check on the other E-codes in this product — some may have different statuses.

Scan the full label →
Background & Details

About E466

Emulsifiers and stabilizers - cellulose and derivatives Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

What is E466 made from?

  • cellulose (plant) + sodium chloroacetate (synthetic)

Foods that commonly contain E466

Food Category Guide

E466 is common in ice cream — see the full halal guide →

ice cream gluten-free bread toothpaste laxatives diet foods

Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E466 (Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Salt) halal?

E466 (Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Salt) is classified as Halal. Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

What is E466 used for?

E466 is used as a thickener, stabiliser and water retention agent in food products.

What foods contain E466?

E466 (Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Salt) is commonly found in: ice cream, gluten-free bread, toothpaste, laxatives, diet foods.

What is E466 made from?

E466 can be derived from the following sources: cellulose (plant) + sodium chloroacetate (synthetic).

What are the other names for E466?

E466 may appear on food labels as: CMC, Cellulose Gum, Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose.

thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers — 69 E-codes: 30 Halal, 0 Haraam, 39 Mushbooh

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This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.