Is Polyoxyethylene Stearate (E431) Halal?

MUIS lists E431 (Polyoxyethylene Stearate) 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.

Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate is a synthetic non-ionic emulsifier with longer ethylene oxide chains than E430. The doubtful classification reflects stearic acid's potential animal or vegetable origin.

• limited bakery applications

• 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.

polyoxyethylene (8) stearate (E430), polysorbate 60 (E435), mono- and diglycerides (E471)

E431 (Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate) is doubtful for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate is a synthetic non-ionic emulsifier with longer ethylene oxide chains than E430.

Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate is a synthetic non-ionic emulsifier with longer ethylene oxide chains than E430. The doubtful classification reflects stearic acid's potential animal or vegetable origin.

E431 is commonly found in limited bakery applications.