10 reasons to use HPMC in gluten-free preparations:

1. Improved structure and consistency: Emulates the effect of gluten, providing elasticity and structure to the dough.
2. Moisture Retention: Helps keep gluten-free baked goods more moist and less dry.
3. Suitable for vegan and hypoallergenic diets: It is not derived from animal sources and does not contain common allergens such as gluten.
4. Stabilization: Useful for stabilizing emulsions and suspensions, improving the quality of preparations.
5. Gel formation: Take advantage of its ability to gel at high temperatures for different applications.
6. Thickening Properties: Acts as a thickener, improving the texture of food products.
7. Solubility in cold water: Facilitates incorporation into various recipes without the need for heating.
8. Compatibility: Works well with a wide range of food ingredients.
9. Shelf life: It can help extend the shelf-life of baked goods.
10. Flavor neutrality: It does not alter the flavors of the preparations, maintaining the desired taste.

10 reasons why it is advisable not to use HPMC in gluten-free preparations:

1. Cost: HPMC can be more expensive than other additives or ingredients.
2. Perception of over-processing: Some consumers may prefer less processed products or products with fewer additives.
3. Limitations in replicating sensory properties: It may not be able to exactly replicate all the properties of gluten.
4. Variable applicability: Not all gluten-free recipes benefit equally from the addition of HPMC.
5. Limited Availability: It is not always easily available in all markets or stores.
6. Experimentation needed: May require trial and error to get the proportions right.
7. Additive Dependence: Can lead to increased dependence on food additives.
8. Possible digestive reactions: Although rare, some people may have sensitivities to HPMC.
9. Effects on texture: It can influence the texture of some preparations in an undesirable way.
10. Negative consumer perceptions: Some consumers may have concerns about the use of food additives.

Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, commonly abbreviated as HPMC, is a versatile pharmaceutical excipient widely used in the formulation of various dosage forms. This semi-synthetic polymer is derived from naturally occurring cellulose, which is modified through the addition of methoxy and hydroxypropyl groups to improve its solubility and stability in water. The resulting compound possesses unique characteristics that make it an indispensable component in the manufacturing process of tablets, capsules, films, and even some types of suspensions and emulsions. One of the primary functions of HPMC is as a binder in the production of tablets. It provides cohesion between particles, ensuring that the tablet maintains its structure during compression and post-production handling. Moreover, HPMC can act as a release-controlling agent due to its ability to form a gel layer upon contact with aqueous fluids. This property allows for the sustained or controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which can optimize therapeutic efficacy by maintaining drug levels within the desired therapeutic window over an extended period. In addition to its role in solid dosage forms, HPMC also finds application in the preparation of film coatings. These coatings protect the core tablet or capsule from environmental factors such as moisture and light while improving the aesthetic appeal and patient acceptability of the medication. Furthermore, the use of HPMC in film coatings can facilitate the development of modified-release dosage forms, where the rate at which the API is released into the body is carefully managed to suit the treatment regimen. Another notable advantage of using HPMC is its non-toxicity and biocompatibility Another notable advantage of using HPMC is its non-toxicity and biocompatibility

Self-leveling compounds:

According to Article 7(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, the Commission forwarded the application to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as an application under Article 10(2) (re-evaluation of an authorised feed additive). EFSA received directly from the applicant the technical dossier in support of this application. The particulars and documents in support of the application were considered valid by EFSA as of 26 April 2019.

The following conclusions apply only to HPMC meeting the food additive specifications.