MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE
Prepared at the 55th JECFA (2000) and published in FNP52 Add 8 (2000), superseding specifications prepared at the 51st JECFA (1998)
and published in FNP 52 Add 6 (1998). An ADI “Not specified” was established at the 49th JECFA (1998).
SYNONYMS Cellulose gel; INS No. 460(i)
DEFINITION Purified, partially depolymerized cellulose prepared by treating alphacellulose, obtained as a pulp from fibrous plant material, with mineral
acids. The degree of polymerization is typically less than 400. Not more than 10% of the particles have a diameter below 5 μm.
Chemical names Cellulose
C.A.S. number 9004-34-6
Chemical formula (C6H10O5)n
Assay Not less than 97% of carbohydrate calculated as cellulose on the dry basis.
DESCRIPTION Fine, white or almost white, odourless, free flowing crystalline powder.
FUNCTIONAL USES Emulsifier, stabilizer, anticaking agent, dispersing agent
