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The facts: Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Turkey Hill Ice Cream, Kraft Salad Dressing, Weight Watchers Frozen Meals.
TL;DR: Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | medium |
| Where it shows up | Turkey Hill Ice Cream, Kraft Salad Dressing, Weight Watchers Frozen Meals, Various dairy drinks, Some bread products |
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a cellulose derivative produced by reacting cellulose (from wood pulp or cotton) with sodium chloroacetate under alkaline conditions. As cellulose gum, it is highly water-soluble and provides viscosity and stability at low concentrations. It is one of the most widely used food hydrocolloids globally.
Thickens, stabilizes, and improves texture in ice cream, dairy drinks, salad dressings, and gluten-free foods; also prevents staling in baked goods.
A 2015 study published in Nature (Chassaing et al., Georgia State University) found that dietary CMC at levels comparable to typical food exposure disrupted the gut microbiome in mice, reducing protective mucus layer thickness, promoting low-grade inflammation, and accelerating colitis and metabolic syndrome in genetically predisposed animals. A 2022 randomized controlled trial (CARGO trial, published in Gastroenterology) in healthy humans confirmed that CMC disruption of gut microbiota composition was observed. EFSA and FDA have not changed approval status, but these findings have generated significant scientific discussion.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
Commonly found in Turkey Hill Ice Cream, Kraft Salad Dressing, Weight Watchers Frozen Meals, Various dairy drinks, Some bread products. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).
Guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, and psyllium provide thickening with less documented microbiome disruption. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or other ingredients restricted overseas.
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