Check the halal status of food additives and E-numbers - search a code or name to see if it is halal, doubtful (depends on the source), or to avoid. A guide; certification bodies are the authority.
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E100
Curcumin
Plant turmeric colour, generally permissible
Halal
E101
Riboflavin
Usually synthetic or microbial vitamin
Halal
E102
Tartrazine
Synthetic colour, generally permissible
Halal
E110
Sunset Yellow FCF
Synthetic colour, generally permissible
Halal
E120
Carmine
Insect-derived colour, scholars differ
Doubtful
E122
Azorubine
Synthetic colour, generally permissible
Halal
E124
Ponceau 4R
Synthetic colour, generally permissible
Halal
E129
Allura Red AC
Synthetic colour, generally permissible
Halal
E131
Patent Blue V
Synthetic colour, generally permissible
Halal
E133
Brilliant Blue FCF
Synthetic colour, generally permissible
Halal
E140
Chlorophylls
Plant green pigment, generally permissible
Halal
E141
Copper chlorophylls
Plant-derived colour, generally permissible
Halal
E150A
Plain caramel
Heated sugar colour, generally permissible
Halal
E150C
Ammonia caramel
Caramel colour, generally permissible
Halal
E153
Vegetable carbon
Plant carbon colour, generally permissible
Halal
E160A
Beta-carotene
Plant or synthetic colour, permissible
Halal
E160B
Annatto
Plant seed colour, generally permissible
Halal
E160C
Paprika extract
Plant pepper extract, generally permissible
Halal
E162
Beetroot red
Plant beet colour, generally permissible
Halal
E163
Anthocyanins
Plant fruit pigments, generally permissible
Halal
E170
Calcium carbonate
Mineral additive, generally permissible
Halal
E200
Sorbic acid
Synthetic preservative, generally permissible
Halal
E202
Potassium sorbate
Synthetic preservative, generally permissible
Halal
E210
Benzoic acid
Synthetic preservative, generally permissible
Halal
E211
Sodium benzoate
Synthetic preservative, generally permissible
Halal
E220
Sulphur dioxide
Mineral preservative, generally permissible
Halal
E223
Sodium metabisulphite
Sulphite preservative, generally permissible
Halal
E234
Nisin
Microbial preservative, generally permissible
Halal
E250
Sodium nitrite
Mineral curing salt, generally permissible
Halal
E270
Lactic acid
Usually fermented sugar, verify medium
Halal
E290
Carbon dioxide
Gas additive, generally permissible
Halal
E300
Ascorbic acid
Vitamin C, generally permissible
Halal
E301
Sodium ascorbate
Vitamin C salt, generally permissible
Halal
E306
Tocopherols
Vitamin E, verify carrier source
Halal
E322
Lecithins
Soy usually halal, animal possible
Doubtful
E330
Citric acid
Fermented sugar acid, generally permissible
Halal
E331
Sodium citrates
Citrate salts, generally permissible
Halal
E334
Tartaric acid
Plant acid, generally permissible
Halal
E400
Alginic acid
Seaweed thickener, generally permissible
Halal
E401
Sodium alginate
Seaweed thickener, generally permissible
Halal
E406
Agar
Seaweed gelling agent, generally permissible
Halal
E407
Carrageenan
Seaweed stabilizer, generally permissible
Halal
E410
Locust bean gum
Plant gum, generally permissible
Halal
E412
Guar gum
Plant gum, generally permissible
Halal
E415
Xanthan gum
Microbial gum, generally permissible
Halal
E422
Glycerol
May be plant or animal fat
Doubtful
E441
Gelatin
Animal collagen, verify halal source
Doubtful
E470
Fatty acid salts
May derive from animal fats
Doubtful
E471
Mono- and diglycerides
May be from animal fat
Doubtful
E472
Fatty acid esters
Source-dependent fats, verify origin
Doubtful
E904
Shellac
Insect resin, scholars differ
Doubtful
E920
L-cysteine
May be animal or synthetic
Doubtful
E1105
Lysozyme
Usually egg-derived, verify acceptability
Doubtful
E542
Bone phosphate
From animal bone - must be halal-sourced
Doubtful
E627
Disodium guanylate
Flavour enhancer, may be animal-derived - verify
Doubtful
E631
Disodium inosinate
Often from meat or fish - verify the source
Doubtful
E635
Disodium ribonucleotides
Blend of E627 and E631 - verify the source
Doubtful
Lawful and good
Allah commands us to eat what is lawful and pure: 'O people, eat of what is lawful and good on the earth' (Surah al-Baqarah 2:168). Forbidden are carrion, flowing blood, pork, and what is slaughtered for other than Allah (Surah al-Maidah 5:3). Many food additives are derived from these or from permissible sources, so knowing the source matters.
Why so many are doubtful
The same E-number can come from a plant, a mineral, a microbe, or an animal. An emulsifier like E471 may be from plant oil (halal) or animal fat (which must be from a halal-slaughtered animal). So most uncertain additives are not simply haram - they are doubtful until you verify the source with the manufacturer or a halal-certifying body.
A guide, not a certificate
This list is a general reference; formulations change, and rulings on some additives (such as carmine/E120 from insects) differ between scholars. For a definite answer, look for a trusted halal certification on the product or contact the manufacturer; consult a scholar for any ruling.
Common questions
What do the statuses mean?
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Halal means generally permissible (plant, mineral, or synthetic). Doubtful means it depends on the source - do not assume it is permissible; verify with the manufacturer or a halal certifier before consuming. Avoid means it is impermissible as listed.
Why is gelatin doubtful and not haram?
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Gelatin can be made from halal-slaughtered cattle (halal) or from pork (haram), so it is doubtful until the source is known. Look for halal-certified gelatin.
Is this an official halal certification?
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No - it is an educational guide. For certainty, rely on a recognised halal certification on the product or ask the manufacturer.
Is anything saved?
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No. The search runs entirely in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
This guidance cites the Quran and authentic Sunnah and is pending scholar review. If you spot an error, please let us know - corrections are welcome.