Is Butylated Hydroxytoluene (E321) Halal?

MUIS lists E321 (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) as doubtful (mashbooh), which means the source cannot be confirmed from the E-number alone — not that it is haram. Although it is made synthetically, some production routes use animal-derived processing aids or carriers, and the E-number does not identify the producer. The reliable check is a recognised halal certification logo on the finished product, or a manufacturer statement of the source.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant prepared from p-cresol and isobutylene. It is widely used to prevent rancidity in fats, oils and fatty foods.

• cereals
• snack foods
• vegetable oils
• chewing gum
• shortening
• lard

• Look for a recognised halal certification logo (MUIS, JAKIM, MUI, HMC or similar) on the packaging — certified products have had the source of this additive verified.
• Check whether the label states the origin, for example 'vegetable origin', 'plant-based' or 'soy'.
• If there is no certification and the origin is not stated, contact the manufacturer or choose a product with a halal alternative.

BHA (E320), TBHQ (E319), tocopherols (E306)

E321 (Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)) is doubtful for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant prepared from p-cresol and isobutylene.

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant prepared from p-cresol and isobutylene. It is widely used to prevent rancidity in fats, oils and fatty foods.

E321 is commonly found in cereals, snack foods, vegetable oils, chewing gum, shortening, and lard.