Is E472 (E472a–E472f Esters of Glycerol) Halal?

The E472 esters (a to f) are made from glycerol and fatty acids, both of which can come from vegetable oils or animal fats including pork. MUIS lists them as doubtful because the source is not stated by the E-number. Halal-certified bakery emulsifiers use plant-based fatty acids; look for a halal logo or 'vegetable origin'.

E472 is a family of glycerol esters of various organic acids (acetic, lactic, citric, tartaric and others) used as emulsifiers and stabilisers. The doubtful classification stems from the potentially animal or vegetable origin of the underlying fats. The family covers E472a (acetic acid esters), E472b (lactic acid esters), E472c (citric acid esters), E472d (tartaric acid esters), E472e (DATEM, diacetyl tartaric acid esters, the common bread improver) and E472f (mixed acetic and tartaric esters); MUIS lists them together under E472.

• bread and baked goods
• margarine
• ice cream
• non-dairy whipped toppings
• instant noodles

• 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.

lecithin (E322), mono- and diglycerides (E471), polysorbates (E433/E435)

E472 (Various Esters of Glycerol) is doubtful for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. E472 is a family of glycerol esters of various organic acids (acetic, lactic, citric, tartaric and others) used as emulsifiers and stabilisers.

E472 is a family of glycerol esters of various organic acids (acetic, lactic, citric, tartaric and others) used as emulsifiers and stabilisers. The doubtful classification stems from the potentially animal or vegetable origin of the underlying fats. The family covers E472a (acetic acid esters), E472b (lactic acid esters), E472c (citric acid esters), E472d (tartaric acid esters), E472e (DATEM, diacetyl tartaric acid esters, the common bread improver) and E472f (mixed acetic and tartaric esters); MUIS lists them together under E472.

E472 is commonly found in bread and baked goods, margarine, ice cream, non-dairy whipped toppings, and instant noodles.