Partial List of E-Numbers
After numerous approaches from members of the Muslim Community in New Zealand we have put out a ingredient list for guidance.We are also concerned at some of the lists that are currently in circulation within the Muslim community in New Zealand that may be incorrect and cause concern amongst the ummah.
However on this occasion we have decided to use the resources available internationally since the approved additives are available universally and the issues faced by Muslims is same the world over. By using international links it also ensures at least some consistency.
It must be realised the list below will never be complete or exhaustive, since the business of food ingredients/additives is rapidly evolving with advancing technology. A classification that is relevant today may change next year. Furthermore there is a demand from consumers and push from manufacturers for new, exotic, more functional ingredients. This is why we refer to the list as "partial".
In the New Zealand market there have been some changes to the labelling requirements based on the Aust NZ Food Authority (ANZFA) requirements that came into effect end of 2002. This will require food manufacturers/sellers to clearly label their products with all ingredients and display a nutrition panel. This will assist in identifying questionable additives.
The only way of clarifying whether an ingredient is questionable or not is to contact the manufacturer, (if the product does not already have a Halal Certification from a reputable organisation like FIANZ, in which case this has been checked for you.). From our experience of the NZ Food Industry we have found the organisations will generally provide true and accurate information regarding their products. To do otherwise they risk making false claims, bad publicity and loss of consumers if caught out. However Allah ( SWT) knows best of all.
Most food companies have an 0800 freephone number on their packs for feedbacks/comments. Please use this free service to clarify your concerns since consuming Halal food is solely YOUR responsibility.
Also providing feedback logs a request for Halal food in companies database which they use for developing future products. As consumers we must realise there is no force for change more potent (for businesses) than the power of the consumer!
FIANZ - Halal Committee
We frequently receive inquiries about E-Numbers and whether they are Halal or not. Since the list of E-Numbers is continuously changing, as new ingredients are added, it is difficult to maintain a fully updated list. However, we have prepared a partial list of some of the questionable or problematic ingredients that need further checking or should be avoided if you are unable to verify its origin.
The status of the following E-Numbers is designated as:
Q1 means they are made from animal fats, plant oils or synthetic sources. They are a combination of fatty acids and other chemicals. If the source is not known, they are questionable and may be haram.
Q2 means they are made from animal or plant proteins, synthetic sources or through biotechnology. They are amino acids. If the source is not known, they are questionable and may be haram.
|
E-304 |
Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid |
Antioxidant |
Q1 |
|
E-322 |
Lecithins |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-422 |
Glycerol |
Humectant |
Q1 |
|
E-431 |
Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-432 |
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-433 |
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-434 |
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate (polysorbate 40) |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-435 |
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (polysorbate 60) |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-436 |
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65) |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-442 |
Ammonium phosphatides |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-445 |
Glycerol esters of wood rosins |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-470a |
Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-470b |
Magnesium salts of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-471 |
Mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-472a |
Acetic acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-472a |
Acetic acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-472b |
Lactic acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-472c |
Citric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-472d |
Tartaric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-472e |
Mono and diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-472f |
Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-473 |
Sucrose esters of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-474 |
Sucroglycerides |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-475 |
Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-476 |
Polyglycerol polyricionleate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-477 |
Propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-479 |
Thermally oxidised soya bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids |
Emulisifier |
Q1 |
|
E-481 |
Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-482 |
Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-483 |
Stearyl tartrate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-491 |
Sorbitan monostearate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-492 |
Sorbitan tristearate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-493 |
Sorbitan monolaurate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-494 |
Sorbitan monooleate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-495 |
Sorbitan monopalmitate |
Emulsifier |
Q1 |
|
E-570 |
Fatty acids |
Glazing Agent |
Q1 |
|
E-620 |
Glutamic acid |
Flavour Enhancer |
Q2 |
|
E-621 |
Monosodium glutamate |
Flavour Enhancer |
Q2 |
|
E-622 |
Monopotassium glutamate |
Flavour Enhancer |
Q2 |
|
E-623 |
Calcium diglutamate |
Flavour Enhancer |
Q2 |
|
E-624 |
Monoammonium diglutamate |
Flavour Enhancer |
Q2 |
|
E-625 |
Magnesium diglutamate |
Flavour Enhancer |
Q2 |
|
E-640 |
Glycine and its sodium salt |
Flavour Enhancer |
Q2 |
|
E-920 |
L-Cysteine hydrochloride |
Flavour Enhancer |
Q2 |
|
E-951 |
Aspartame |
Sweetener |
Q2 |
|
E-1518 |
Glycerol triacetate (triacetin)-Propan-1,2-diol (propylene glycol) |
Humectant |
Q2 |
|
(Adapted from Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of North America List.) The above list only contains products that may be questionable, NOT the entire list of additives. |
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To download a printable copy click on the attachment below:
