Is Iron Oxides / Red: 77491 (E172) Halal?

MUIS lists E172 (Iron Oxides / Red: 77491) as halal. It is a mineral (inorganic) substance and no animal material is involved in producing it. The status applies to the additive itself; the finished product still needs its other ingredients checked.

Iron oxides are inorganic pigments providing yellow, red, orange, brown and black hues, derived from naturally occurring iron-containing minerals or produced synthetically. They are extremely stable to heat and light.

• cake decorations
• salmon paste and pâtés
• dragees
• tablet coatings
• olives (Spanish-style)

• E172 on its own is not a reason to avoid a product.
• The finished product still needs its other ingredients checked — look for a halal certification logo (MUIS, JAKIM, MUI, HMC or similar) when in doubt.
• Halal status here follows the MUIS food additive listing; rulings can differ between certification bodies.

caramel (E150), beet red (E162), annatto (E160b)

E172 (Iron Oxides/Red: 77491/Black: 77499 (Yellow: C.I. 77492)) is halal for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. Iron oxides are inorganic pigments providing yellow, red, orange, brown and black hues, derived from naturally occurring iron-containing minerals or produced synthetically.

Iron oxides are inorganic pigments providing yellow, red, orange, brown and black hues, derived from naturally occurring iron-containing minerals or produced synthetically. They are extremely stable to heat and light.

E172 is commonly found in cake decorations, salmon paste and pâtés, dragees, tablet coatings, and olives (Spanish-style).