Sodium Carboxymethycellulose

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) is a modified form of cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. It is made by treating cellulose with sodium chloroacetate under alkaline conditions, which adds carboxymethyl groups to the cellulose structure.

SCMC is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a wide variety of foods. It helps improve texture and prevent ingredients from separating. You can find it in products like baked goods, ice cream, sauces, dressings, and chewing gum.

In the U.S., SCMC is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated SCMC and have not set a numerical limit for its acceptable daily intake. Studies on SCMC have generally found it to be safe at typical consumption levels, with no significant adverse health effects reported.