Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose as a feed additive for all animal species. Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose is intended for use as a technological additive (functional group: stabiliser) in premixtures and feedingstuffs for all animal species with no minimum and maximum content. A proper identification and characterisation of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose as required for a feed additive is not available and the occurrence of potential toxic impurities cannot be assessed. The following conclusions apply only to Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose meeting the food additive specifications. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose is considered safe for all animal species. The use of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose in animal nutrition is of no concern for consumer safety. In the absence of data, the FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the safety of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose for the user. The use of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose as a feed additive is considered safe for the environment. The additive is considered to be efficacious in feedingstuffs for all animal species. The additive under assessment is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC). It is intended to be used as a technological additive in feed for all animal species.

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (E 464) is currently authorised as a feed additive for all animal species, without a minimum and a maximum content. It is also authorised, quantum satis, for use as a food additive.

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose is authorised to be used as a food additive in accordance with Annex II to Regulation. Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose is specified to have a shelf life of several years. However, no analytical evidence was provided.

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose is intended to be used as a technological additive. Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose added to premixtures or feedingstuffs is not achievable experimentally the EURL cannot evaluate nor recommend any method for official control to quantify methyl cellulose and Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose in premixtures or feedingstuffs.