Is E476 (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate / PGPR) Halal?

PGPR is made from castor-oil fatty acids (ricinoleic acid) reacted with polyglycerol. The castor oil is plant-based, but the glycerol used to make the polyglycerol can come from either vegetable oils or animal fats, and the E-number does not say which. That is why MUIS lists E476 as doubtful. It is used in most mass-market chocolate; halal-certified chocolate uses plant-derived glycerol.

Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is an emulsifier prepared from castor oil and glycerol esters. It is mainly used to reduce the viscosity of chocolate, allowing manufacturers to use less cocoa butter.

• chocolate
• compound coatings
• low-fat spreads
• nut butters

• 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), ammonium phosphatides (E442), polyglycerol esters (E475)

E476 (Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate) is doubtful for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is an emulsifier prepared from castor oil and glycerol esters.

Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is an emulsifier prepared from castor oil and glycerol esters. It is mainly used to reduce the viscosity of chocolate, allowing manufacturers to use less cocoa butter.

E476 is commonly found in chocolate, compound coatings, low-fat spreads, and nut butters.