Halal PalHalal and haram E-numbers
E-numbers are codes for food additives used on labels in Europe and many other countries. Most are fine — but a handful are made from animals or insects, and some can’t be judged without knowing the source.
Updated October 18, 2026
E-numbers to watch
Statuses below follow the rules Halal Pal uses. Where scholars differ, it’s noted.
| E-number | Name | Why it matters | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E120 | Carmine / cochineal | Red dye from crushed insects. Most scholars don’t permit eating insects; the Maliki school does. | Haram |
| E441 | Gelatin | From animal skin and bones — often pork. | Haram unless halal source |
| E542 | Bone phosphate | Made from animal bones. | Haram |
| E904 | Shellac | Resin secreted by lac insects; some scholars accept it as a secretion. | Haram scholars differ |
| E432–E436 | Polysorbates | Made with fatty acids from plant or animal fat. | Mushbooh |
| E471 | Mono- and diglycerides | Emulsifier from plant oils or animal fat. | Mushbooh |
| E472a–f | Esters of mono- and diglycerides (incl. DATEM, E472e) | Made from E471. | Mushbooh |
| E473–E476 | Sucrose esters, sucroglycerides, polyglycerol esters | Fatty acids of unknown origin. | Mushbooh |
| E481, E482 | Sodium / calcium stearoyl lactylate | Fatty acids of unknown origin. | Mushbooh |
| E483, E491 | Stearyl tartrate, sorbitan monostearate | Fatty acids of unknown origin. | Mushbooh |
| E570, E572 | Stearic acid, magnesium stearate | Plant or animal fat. | Mushbooh |
| E631, E635 | Disodium inosinate, ribonucleotides | Flavor enhancers from meat, fish or fermentation. | Mushbooh |
| E920 | L-cysteine | Often made from poultry feathers or hair. | Mushbooh |
Why “doubtful” and not “haram”?
Many of these additives can be made either from plants or from animals, including pork. The E-number is the same either way, and labels rarely say which. That makes them mushbooh — doubtful — rather than definitely haram. A halal certification or a stated source (like “vegetable mono- and diglycerides”) resolves it.
E-numbers on US labels
US labels usually list additives by name rather than E-number — for example “mono- and diglycerides” instead of E471, or “confectioner’s glaze” instead of E904. Halal Pal recognises both the names and the E-numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Is E471 halal?
E471 (mono- and diglycerides) is doubtful unless the source is stated. It can be made from plant oils or animal fat, including pork. “Vegetable” E471 or halal certification makes it acceptable.
Is E120 halal?
Most scholars consider E120 (carmine) haram because it’s made from insects. The Maliki school permits eating some insects, so views differ.
Are all E-numbers haram?
No. The large majority of E-numbers are plant-based, mineral or synthetic and aren’t a concern. Only a small group come from animals or insects or can’t be judged without knowing the source.
This guide is general information, not a religious ruling. Scholars sometimes differ — when in doubt, consult a qualified scholar or a certified halal authority.