Safety of HPMC in food additives

1. Overview of HPMC

HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) is a cellulose derivative obtained by chemical modification. It is obtained from natural plant cellulose through chemical reactions such as methylation and hydroxypropylation. HPMC has good water solubility, viscosity adjustment, film-forming properties and stability, so it has been widely used in many industries, especially in the fields of food, medicine and cosmetics, as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier and gelling agent.

In the food industry, HPMC is often used as a thickener, gelling agent, humectant, emulsifier and stabilizer. Its application range in food includes: bread, cakes, biscuits, candy, ice cream, condiments, beverages and some health foods. An important reason for its wide application is that AnxinCel®HPMC has good chemical stability, is not easy to react with other ingredients, and is easily degraded under appropriate conditions.

2. Safety assessment of HPMC

HPMC has been recognized and approved by many national and international food safety regulatory agencies as a food additive. Its safety is mainly evaluated through the following aspects:

Toxicology study

As a derivative of cellulose, HPMC is based on plant cellulose and has relatively low toxicity. According to multiple toxicology studies, the use of HPMC in food does not show obvious acute or chronic toxicity. Most studies have shown that HPMC has good biocompatibility and will not cause obvious toxic effects on the human body. For example, the results of the acute oral toxicity experiment of HPMC on mice showed that no obvious poisoning reaction occurred at high doses (exceeding the daily use of food additives).

Intake and ADIs (Acceptable Daily Intake)

According to the evaluation of food safety experts, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of HPMC will not harm human health within a reasonable range of use. The International Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other institutions have recognized the safety of HPMC as a food additive and set reasonable use limits for it. In its evaluation report, JECFA pointed out that HPMC did not show any obvious toxic effects, and its use in food is generally far below the set ADI value, so consumers do not need to worry about its potential health risks.

Allergic reactions and adverse reactions

As a natural substance, HPMC has a relatively low incidence of allergic reactions. Most people do not have allergic reactions to HPMC. However, some sensitive people may experience mild allergic symptoms such as rash and shortness of breath when eating foods containing HPMC. Such reactions are usually rare. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to stop eating foods containing HPMC and seek the advice of a professional doctor.

Long-term consumption and intestinal health

As a high-molecular compound, AnxinCel®HPMC is difficult to be absorbed by the human body, but it can play a certain role as dietary fiber in the intestine and promote intestinal peristalsis. Therefore, moderate intake of HPMC may have a certain positive effect on intestinal health. For example, some studies have shown that HPMC has certain potential in improving intestinal peristalsis and relieving constipation. However, excessive intake of HPMC may cause intestinal discomfort, abdominal distension, diarrhea and other symptoms, so the principle of moderation should be followed.

3. Approval status of HPMC in different countries

China

In China, HPMC is listed as a permitted food additive, mainly used in candies, condiments, beverages, pasta products, etc. According to the “Standard for the Use of Food Additives” (GB 2760-2014), HPMC is approved for use in specific foods and has strict usage limits.

European Union

In the European Union, HPMC is also recognized as a safe food additive, numbered E464. According to the evaluation report of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), HPMC is safe under the specified conditions of use and does not show adverse effects on human health.

United States

The US FDA lists HPMC as a “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) substance and allows its use in food. The FDA does not set strict dosage limits for the use of HPMC, and mainly evaluates its safety based on scientific data in actual use.

As a food additive, HPMC has been approved in many countries and regions around the world and is considered safe within the specified usage range. Its safety has been verified by multiple toxicological studies and clinical practices, and it does not cause significant harm to human health. However, like all food additives, the intake of HPMC should follow the principle of reasonable use and avoid excessive intake. Individuals with allergies should be cautious when eating foods containing HPMC to reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions.

HPMC is a widely used and safe additive in the food industry, posing little risk to public health. With the advancement of science and technology, research and supervision of AnxinCel®HPMC may be more stringent in the future to ensure its safety.