Ingredient

Cab

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
CAB is primarily used as a plastic coating or film in food packaging. It …

What is Cab?

CAB is an abbreviation for Cellulose Acetate Butyrate. It is a plastic derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plants. It is produced by chemically reacting cellulose with acetic anhydride and butyric anhydride.

Is Cab vegan?

Cab is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Cab a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is Cab used for?

CAB is primarily used as a plastic coating or film in food packaging.

Is Cab safe?

CAB is generally considered safe for use in food packaging by the FDA.

Why it's used

CAB is primarily used as a plastic coating or film in food packaging. It can provide a barrier against moisture and oxygen, helping to preserve food quality. It is sometimes used as a component in edible films or coatings for certain food products.

Health notes

CAB is generally considered safe for use in food packaging by the FDA. It is not typically consumed directly in significant amounts. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated similar cellulose derivatives for food contact applications. There are no widespread health concerns associated with its use in approved food packaging.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Foods that contain Cab

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: October 5, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.