No, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is not a naturally occurring substance. It is a synthetic polymer derived from cellulose, which is a natural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. CMC is produced through a chemical reaction between cellulose and sodium hydroxide, which is a strong base. The resulting product is a white, odorless powder that is used in a variety of applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
CMC is used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in food products. It is also used as a binder and suspending agent in pharmaceuticals and as a thickening agent and emulsifier in cosmetics. In addition, it is used in the paper industry to improve the strength and water resistance of paper products.
CMC is a safe and widely used food additive. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is approved for use in food products in the European Union. It is also approved for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in the United States and Europe.
CMC is not a naturally occurring substance, but it is a safe and widely used food additive. It is used to improve the texture and stability of food products, as well as to bind and suspend pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is approved for use in food products in the European Union.