Is Microcrystalline Cellulose (E460) Halal?

Cellulose (microcrystalline or powdered) is purified plant fibre, usually from wood pulp. It is plant-based and MUIS lists it as halal. It adds bulk and texture to low-calorie foods and stops grated cheese from clumping.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and powdered cellulose are bulking agents prepared from purified plant cellulose. They are used as anti-caking agents, stabilisers and fat replacers.

• grated cheese (anti-caking)
• low-fat ice cream
• high-fibre breads
• tablets and capsules
• sauces

• E460 on its own is not a reason to avoid a product.
• The finished product still needs its other ingredients checked — look for a halal certification logo (MUIS, JAKIM, MUI, HMC or similar) when in doubt.
• Halal status here follows the MUIS food additive listing; rulings can differ between certification bodies.

methylcellulose (E461), carboxymethylcellulose (E466), modified starches

E460 (Microcrystalline Cellulose/Powdered Cellulose) is halal for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and powdered cellulose are bulking agents prepared from purified plant cellulose.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and powdered cellulose are bulking agents prepared from purified plant cellulose. They are used as anti-caking agents, stabilisers and fat replacers.

E460 is commonly found in grated cheese (anti-caking), low-fat ice cream, high-fibre breads, tablets and capsules, and sauces.