Croscarmellose
Croscarmellose sodium is a non-absorbed modified cellulose. JECFA assessed cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose (E468) and assigned an ADI 'not specified' (highest safety category).
What it is
Croscarmellose sodium – internally cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose; in foods related to E468 (cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose).
Disintegrant in pharmaceutical tablets; in foods, used as bulking/dietary fiber agent.
Why it's flagged
- high doses act as bulk laxative
- not nutritionally absorbed
What regulators actually say
"Cellulose gum (sodium carboxymethylcellulose, the sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose not less than 99.5 percent on a dry-weight basis) is generally recognized as safe."
"The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the use of cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (E468) at the reported uses and use levels."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Listed in USP-NF for pharmaceutical use; food applications fall under cellulose derivatives GRAS at 21 CFR 182.1745 (sodium carboxymethylcellulose).
European Union — EFSA
E468 (cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) authorized; ADI not specified.
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