What are E-numbers?
E-numbers are standardized codes assigned by the European Union to approved food additives. They appear on ingredient labels as "E" followed by a number (e.g., E471). Many E-numbers are derived from plants or synthesized chemically and are perfectly halal. A subset are derived from animal sources and require scrutiny.
Definitively haram E-numbers
These are derived from sources that are always haram:
| E-number | Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E120 | Carmine / Cochineal | Crushed cochineal insects |
| E441 | Gelatin | Pig or cow bones/skin |
| E542 | Bone phosphate | Animal bones (often pork) |
| E904 | Shellac | Secretion of lac insects |
Conditionally haram (source-dependent)
These are halal if derived from a halal-slaughtered animal or a plant source, but haram if from pork:
| E-number | Name | Common sources |
|---|---|---|
| E322 | Lecithin | Soy (usually halal), egg, or sunflower |
| E470 | Fatty acid salts | Animal or vegetable fats |
| E471 | Mono/diglycerides | Animal or vegetable fats |
| E472 (a–f) | Esters of mono/diglycerides | Same as E471 |
| E473 | Sucrose esters | Same as above |
| E920 | L-cysteine | Duck feathers or human hair |
L-cysteine (E920) is worth special attention. It's an amino acid used in bread-making to improve texture. It can be derived from duck feathers (common in Europe) or synthesized (always halal). Check with the manufacturer.
Always halal
Most E-numbers are plant-derived or synthetic and are halal:
- Colorings: E100 (turmeric), E101 (riboflavin), E160 (carotenoids)
- Preservatives: E200-E203 (sorbates), E210-E213 (benzoates)
- Antioxidants: E300-E304 (ascorbic acid / vitamin C)
- Thickeners: E400-E407 (alginates, agar, carrageenan)
- Sweeteners: E420 (sorbitol), E421 (mannitol), E950-E955
How HalalScan handles E-numbers
HalalScan's keyword database flags E120, E441, E542, and E904 as haram, and E322, E471, E472, E473, E920 as suspicious. When an AI verdict is available, it takes into account the product context to assess whether a suspicious additive is likely from an animal source.