E Numbers (Food Additives)
A guide to E numbers for Muslim consumers — which are Ḥalāl, which are Ḥarām, and which require further investigation before consuming.
فَكُلُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ اللّهُ حَلالًا طَيِّبًا وَاشْكُرُواْ نِعْمَتَ اللّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ
“Eat of the lawful and good things with which Allah has provided you and be thankful for the favours of Allah, if it is He you worship.”
— al-Qur’ān, 16:114
E numbers refer to codes assigned to chemicals that serve as food additives in the European Union and Switzerland. The “E” in E numbers stands for “Europe”. These codes can be found on food labels across the EU. The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for assessing the safety and granting approval for the use of these additives.
Types of E numbers
- E100–E199 — colours
- E200–E299 — preservatives
- E300–E399 — antioxidants, acidity regulators
- E400–E499 — thickeners, stabilisers, emulsifiers
- E500–E599 — acidity regulators, anti-caking agents
- E600–E699 — flavour enhancers
- E700–E799 — antibiotics
- E900–E999 — glazing agents and sweeteners
- E1000–E1599 — additional chemicals
Why this matters for Muslims
The ingredients in food products must be of concern for Muslims, as some foods may contain Ḥarām E numbers that are not immediately apparent. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the ingredients before consuming any food item.
Sharīʿah recognises three categories of food: Ḥalāl (permissible), Ḥarām (impermissible), and Mashbūh (doubtful). The latter applies to some E numbers that may originate from animals or plants.
One can avoid doubt by checking if the additive is:
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Free from any alcohol
- Ḥalāl-certified
The Messenger ﷺ said:
“Leave what makes you in doubt for what does not make you in doubt. The truth brings tranquillity while falsehood sows doubt.”
Although some scholars may deem certain E numbers permissible, others may not. It is better to avoid doubt. The SANHA organisation and the GMWA Food-Guide are dependable sources for information in this area.
E120 — Cochineal (Carmine)
E120, also known as carmine dye or cochineal, is a red food colouring derived from female cochineal insects. The dye is used to produce scarlet, orange, and other red tints in food products. It is produced by boiling the powdered insect bodies in ammonia or a sodium carbonate solution.
The Islamic view on E120 is that locusts are the only permissible insect that can be consumed — all other insects are considered Ḥarām because they cannot be slaughtered in accordance with Sharīʿah. While many scholars believe E120 is Ḥarām, it is ultimately up to individuals to draw their own conclusions.
Ḥarām
- E120 — Cochineal, Carminic acid or carmine (derived from insects)
- E441 — Gelatin (from pig or non-ḥalāl beef)
- E542 — Edible bone phosphate (from animal bones)
- E904 — Shellac (from the secretion of the lac insect)
Depends on source / process
- E322 — Lecithin
- E471 — Mono and diglycerides of fatty acids
- E920 — L-cysteine
- E921 — L-cysteine hydrochloride
- E542 — Edible bone phosphate
- E631 — Disodium inosinate
- E635 — Disodium ribonucleotides
Doubted
The following E numbers are of uncertain status and should be verified before consuming:
E1000, E1405, E1423, E1430, E1441, E1443, E1510 (Ethanol), E1517, E1518, E153, E161(g), E252, E290, E334, E335, E336, E337, E353, E354, E430, E431, E433, E435, E436, E440(a), E440(b), E445, E470, E470b, E472(a)–(f), E473, E474, E475, E476, E477, E478, E479b, E481, E482, E483, E491, E492.
For the most up-to-date and authoritative guidance, consult SANHA or the GMWA Food-Guide before purchasing any product you are uncertain about.
