Residues of cellulose and breakdown products in edible tissues and products from animals fed HPMC are not expected. Although the (partial) degradation of HPMC would eventually occur in some species (ruminants, hindgut fermenters), breakdown products would still likely be of high molecular weight and poorly or not absorbed; the short-chain fatty acids resulting from microbial breakdown of cellulose in the rumen or hindgut will enter the physiological pools of the animals. The consumer would therefore not be exposed to the additive or derived products when consuming edible tissues and products from animals given diets containing HPMC. Consequently, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that the use of HPMC in animal nutrition is of no concern for consumer safety.
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