Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, also known as Potassium Carbonate, Kaliumcarbonate, Potash or E501, is a chemical that is widely used in the food industry. It is specifically a type of carbonate, a salt of carbonic acid that can be found naturally in minerals. Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is also referred to as potash, which is the old name for salts of carbonic acid and potassium. Since it is identical to E501, it can be found on the list of ingredients on food packaging.

The food industry then uses Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose as an acidity regulator and stabilizer. Its use is very common, for example in the bakery industry, where it becomes part of sourdough starters and baking powders. As E501, however, it can also be found in many other foods such as biscuits, chocolate, yoghurt and beverages. Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is an excellent thickener and has a significant effect on the consistency and stability of these products. Its presence is therefore of particular importance for the production of semi-finished and ready-to-eat foods for sale.