FOOD INGREDIENT NUMBERS:
(E-numbers)


E-Numbers represent specific food additives, used by the food industry in the manufacture of various food products. These E-Numbers have been formulated by the European Economic Community (EEC) and are universally adopted by the food industry worldwide.

It is known that many E-numbers contain unlisted haraam ingredients in them. Generally additives derived from animals and insects.

E-numbers are reference numbers used by the European Union to facilitate identification of food additives. All food additives used in the European Union are identified by an E-number. The "E" stands for "Europe" or "European Union". Normally each food additive is assigned a unique number, though occasionally, related additives are given an extension ("a", "b", or "i", "ii") to another E-number.

The Commission of the European Union assigns e-numbers after the additive is cleared by the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF), the body responsible for the safety evaluation of food additives in the European Union. The convention for assigning E-numbers is:

100-199     food colors
200-299     preservatives
300-399     antioxidants, phosphates, and complexing agents
400-499     thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers
500-599     salts and related compounds
600-699     flavor enhancers
700-899     not used for food additives (used for feed additives)
900-999     surface coating agents, gases, sweeteners
1000-1399  miscellaneous additive
1400-1499 starch derivatives

E-numbers are only used for substances added directly to food products, so contaminants, enzymes and processing aids, which may be classified as additives in the USA, are not included in the E-number system.

There is an EU directive on food labeling which requires food additives to be listed in the product ingredients whenever they are added for technological purposes. This includes coloring, sweetening and favor enhancement as well as for preservation, thickening, emulsifying and the like. Ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight, which means that are generally found close to the end of the list of ingredients. However, substances used in the protection of plants and plant products, flavorings and substances added as nutrients (e.g., minerals, trace elements or vitamins) do not need to be included in the ingredient list. Because of this, some substances that are regulated as food additives in other countries may be exempt from the food additive definition in the EU.

Additives which are ALWAYS of animal origin, such as (HARAAM):

The main additives you need to be aware of are:

-Number

Name

Description Halal Status

E100

Curcumin/Turmeric

Color

 Halal if pure grind turmeric powder or granular. Mushbooh if used as liquid, the solvents has to be Halal. Haraam if hidden ingredient is pork fat based emulsifier in dry mix.

E101

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Color

Mushbooh (Haraam if from pork liver & Kidney, Halal if 100% plant material

E102

Tartrazine

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E104

Quinoline Yellow

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent other than water has to be Halal

E110

Sunset Yellow FCF / Orange Yellow S

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E120

Cochineal / Carminic Acid

Color

Haraam according to Hanafi Muzhab

E122

Carmoisine / Azorubine

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E123

Amaranth

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E124

Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E127

Erythrosine BS

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E131

Patent Blue V

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E132

Indigo Carmine / Idigotine

Color

Halal if use as is as a 100% synthetic color  but if pork glycerin is added as a solvent then it is Haraam

E140

Chlorophyll

Color

Halal if use 100% powder or Halal if water or vegetable oil was used as a solvent

E141

Copper Complex of Chlorophyll

Color

Halal if use 100% powder or Halal if water or vegetable oil was used as a solvent

E142

Green S / Acid Brilliant Green BS

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E150(a-d)

Caramel Color/with chemicals

Color

Halal

E151

Black PN / Brilliant Black BN

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E153

Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal)

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E160a

Alpha, Beta, Gamma

Color - Carotene

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

E160b

Annatto, Bixin, Norbixin

Color - Carotene

Halal

E160c

Capsanthin / Capsorbin

Color- Carotene

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

E160d

Lycopene

Color - Carotene

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

E160e

Beta-apo-8-carotenal

Color - Carotene

Halal if used as 100% dry powder or granular or Halal if vegetable oil is used as a solvent in liquid form as a hidden ingredient. Haraam if pork gelatin is used as hidden ingredient or carrier

E160f

Ethyl ester of Beta-apo-8-cartonoic acid

Color - Carotene

Halal if used as 100% dry powder or granular or Halal if vegetable oil is used as a solvent in liquid form as a hidden ingredient. Haraam if pork gelatin is used as hidden ingredient or carrier  

E161a

Flavoxanthin

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

E161b

Lutein

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haraam if pork gelatin or pork glycerin is added in dry or liquid form

E161c

Cryptoxanthin

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

E161d

Rubixanthin

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

E161e

Violaxanthin

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

E161f

Rhodoxanthin

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

E161g

Canthaxanthin

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

E162

Beetroot Red / Betanin

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal    

E163

Anthocyanins

Color

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

E170

Calcium Carbonate (Chalk)

Color - Inorganic

Halal if obtained from rock mineral and used as 100% dry powder or granular. Mushbooh if used as liquid, solvent has to be Halal

E171

Titanium Dioxide

Color - Inorganic

 Halal

E172

Iron Oxides and Hydroxides

Color - Inorganic

 Halal

E173

Aluminium

Color - Inorganic

 Halal

E174

Silver

Color - Inorganic

 Halal

E175

Gold

Color - Inorganic

 Halal 

E180

Pigment Rubine / Lithol Rubine BK

Color - Inorganic

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal    

E200

Sorbic Acid

Preservative

 Halal

E201

Soduim Sorbate

Preservative

 Halal

E202

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative

 Halal

E203

Calcium Sorbate

Preservative

 Halal

E210

Benzoic Acid

Preservative

 Halal

E211

Sodium Benzoate

Preservative

 Halal

E212

Potassium Benzoate

Preservative

 Halal

E213

Calcium Benzoate

Preservative

 Halal, if calcium obtained from mineral, Mushbooh if it is obtained from bones.

E214

Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Preservative

Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haraam if alcohol is used as a solvent

E215

Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt

Preservative

Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haraam if alcohol is used as a solvent

E216

Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Preservative

Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haraam if alcohol is used as a solvent

E217

Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt

Preservative

Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haraam if alcohol is used as a solvent

E218

Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Preservative

Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haraam if alcohol is used as a solvent

E219

Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt

Preservative

Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haraam if alcohol is used as a solvent

E220

Sulphur Dioxide

Preservative

 Halal

E221

Sodium Sulphite

Preservative

 Halal

E222

Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite

Preservative

 Halal

E223

Sodium Metabisulphite

Preservative

 Halal

E224

Potassium Metabisulphite

Preservative

 Halal

E226

Calcium Sulphite

Preservative

 Halal

E227

Calcium Hydrogen Sulphite

Preservative

 Halal, if calcium is obtained from mineral or chemicals. Mushbooh if it is obtained from bones.

E230

Biphenyl / Diphenyl

Preservative

Halal, if no alcohol is used as a solvent

E231

2-Hydroxybiphenyl

Preservative

Halal, if no alcohol is used as a solvent

E232

Sodium Biphenyl-2-yl Oxide

Preservative

Halal, if no alcohol is used as a solvent

E233

2-(Thiazol-4-yl) Benzimidazole

Preservative

Halal, if no alcohol is used as a solvent

E239

Hexamine

Preservative - other

 Halal

E249

Potassium Nitrate

Preservative

 Halal

E250

Sodium Nitrite

Preservative

 Halal

E251

Sodium Nitrate

Preservative

 Halal

E252

Potassium Nitrate(Saltpetre)

Preservative

 Halal

E260

Acetic Acid

Miscellaneous - Acids

 Halal

E261

Potassium Acetate

Miscellaneous - Acids

 Halal

E262

Potassium Hydrogen Diacetate

Miscellaneous - Acids

 Halal

E263

Calcium Acetate

Miscellaneous - Acids

 Halal

E270

Lactic Acid

Miscellaneous - Acids

 Halal if obtained other than whey. In USA it is always from non dairy source.

E280

Propionic Acid

Preservative - Acids

 Halal

E281

Sodium Propionate

Preservative- Acids

 Halal

E282

Calcium Propionate

Preservative- Acids

 Halal if calcium obtained from mineral, Mushbooh if it obtained from bones

E283

Potassium Propionate

Preservative- Acids

 Halal

E290

Carbon Dioxide

Miscellaneous

 Halal

E300

L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Antioxidants- Vitamin C

 Halal

E301

Sodium-L-Ascorbate

Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives

 Halal

E302

Calcium-L-Ascorbate

Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives

 Halal, if the calcium source is from mineral, Mushbooh if it is from bones

E304

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives

Halal if saturated  fatty acid Palmitic acid is obtained from plant. Haraam if palmitic acid is obtained from pork fat 

E306

Natural Extracts rich in Tocopherols

Antioxidants- Vitamin E

Halal If Tocopherol is obtained from plant fat. Haraam if Tocopherol is obtained from pork fat  

E307

Synthetic Alpha-Tocopherol

Antioxidants- Vitamin E

Halal only if it is made with all Halal synthetic material without alcoholic fermentation synthetic method

E308

Synthetic Gamma-Tocopherol

Antioxidants- Vitamin E

Halal only if it is made with all Halal synthetic material without alcoholic fermentation synthetic method

E309

Synthetic Delta-Tocopherol

Antioxidants- Vitamin E

Halal only if it is made with all Halal synthetic material without alcoholic fermentation synthetic method

E310

Propyl Gallate

Antioxidants- other

Halal

E311

Octyl Gallate

Antioxidants- other

Halal if obtained from nutgalls or plant secretion 

E312

Dodecyl Gallate

Antioxidants- other

Halal if obtained from nutgalls or plant secretion. Haraam if alcohol was used as solvent 

E320

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

Antioxidants- other

Halal if only vegetable oil is used as a carrier. Haraam if the carrier is from pork fat. It is not available as pure 100% chemical.

E321

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Antioxidants- other

Halal if only vegetable oil is used as a carrier. Haraam if the carrier is from pork fat. It is not available as pure 100% chemical.

E322

Lecithin

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers

Halal if obtained from soy fat or egg yolk in Europe. It is Halal in USA because it is always obtained from soy fat.

E325

Sodium Lactate

Miscellaneous - Salts of Lactic Acid

 Halal if the lactic acid from non dairy source

E326

Potassium Lactate

Miscellaneous - Salts of Lactic Acid

 Halal if the lactic acid from non dairy source

E327

Calcium Lactate

Miscellaneous - Salts of Lactic Acid

 Halal if the lactic acid from non dairy source and calcium from mineral

E330

Citric Acid

Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts

 Halal

E331

Sodium Citrates

Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts

 Halal

E332

Potassium Citrates

Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts

 Halal

E333

Calcium Citrates

Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts

 Halal if calcium source is not from bones

E334

Tartaric Acid

Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts

Halal, if it is not obtained from wine by-product, in USA it is Halal because it is obtained from un-fermented grapes.

E335

Sodium Tartrates

Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts

Halal, if it is not obtained from wine by-product, in USA it is Halal because it is obtained from un-fermented grapes.

E336

Potassium Tartrates (Cream of Tartar)

Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts

Halal, if it is not obtained from wine by-product, in USA it is Halal because it is obtained from un-fermented grapes.

E337

Potassium Sodium Tartrates

Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts

Halal, if it is not obtained from wine by-product, in USA it is Halal because it is obtained from un-fermented grapes.

E338

Orthophosphoric Acid

Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts

 Halal

E339

Sodium Phosphates

Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts

 Halal

E340

Potassium Phosphates

Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts

 Halal

E341

Calcium Phosphates

Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts

 Halal if calcium from mineral source

E400

Alginic Acid

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Alginates

 Halal

E401

Sodium Alginate

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Alginates

 Halal

E402

Potassium Alginate

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Alginates

 Halal

E403

Ammonium Alginate

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Alginates

 Halal

E404

Calcium Alginate

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Alginates

 Halal if calcium source is from mineral

E405

Propane-1,2-Diol Alginate

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Alginates

 Halal

E406

Agar

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - other plant gums

 Halal

E407

Carrageenan

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - other plant gums

 Halal

E410

Locust Bean Gum (Carob Gum)

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - other plant gums

 Halal

E412

Guar Gum

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - other plant gums

 Halal

E413

Tragacanth

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - other plant gums

 Halal.

E414

Gum Acacia (Gum Arabic)

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - other plant gums

 Halal

E415

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - other plant gums

 Halal

E420

Sorbitol

Sugar Alcohols

 Halal

E421

Mannitol

Sugar Alcohols

 Halal

E422

Glycerol

Sugar Alcohols

Mushbooh, called Glycerin in USA, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from pork fat

E440a

Pectin

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Pectin and derivatives

 Halal

E440b

Amidated Pectin

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Pectin and derivatives

 Halal

E450a,b,c

Sodium and Potassium Phosphates and Polyphosphates

Miscellaneous

 Halal

E460

Microcrystalline / Powdered Cellulose

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Cellulose and derivatives

 Halal

E461

Methylcellulose

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Cellulose and derivatives

 Halal

E463

Hydroxypropylcellulose

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Cellulose and derivatives

 Halal

E464

Hydroxypropyl-Methylcellulose

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Cellulose and derivatives

 Halal

E465

Ethylmethylcellulose

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Cellulose and derivatives

 Halal

E466

Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Salt

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - Cellulose and derivatives

 Halal

E470

Sodium, Potassium and Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

Mushbooh, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from porkl fat

E471

Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

Mushbooh, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from porkl fat

E472

Various Esters of Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

Mushbooh, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from porkl fat

E473

Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

Mushbooh, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from pork fat

E474

Sucroglycerides

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

Mushbooh, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from pork fat

E475

Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

Mushbooh, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from pork fat

E477

Propane-1,2-Diol Esters of Fatty Acids

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

Mushbooh, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from pork fat

E481

Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

Mushbooh, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from pork fat

E482

Calcium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

Mushbooh, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from pork fat

E483

Stearyl Tartrate

Emulsifiers and Stabilizers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

Mushbooh, Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from pork fat

 

FOOD INGREDIENTS NUMBERS WITH NO E-PREFIX:

Number

Name

DESCRIPTION HALAL STATUS

107

Yellow 2G

Colors

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

128

Red 2G

Colors

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

133

Brilliant Blue FCF

Colors

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

154

Brown FK

Colors

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal  

155

Brown HT

Colors

Halal if used as 100% dry color. Mushbooh if used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal