A very few emulsifiers are haram. There is a quick way to find out whether the pack show any ‘V’ sign, which means vegetarian. If it does, then it is safe to use, it does not matter even it shows emulsifiers or e-numbers. That implies that emulsifiers are extracted from plants. However, make sure to look for other ingredients such as alcohol, wine ete.

Another quick check is where the product is made. If a product is produced in an Islamic country, then it should be safe to use as the emulsifiers would be extracted from halal animals slaughtered through Islamic ways.

Alternatively, you need to go through a long list of E- numbers to check whether they are from animals or plants.

Below are some rules of thumb.

E-numbers which are always from animals’ origin and one should avoid.

• E120 Cochineal: a red colour obtained from female insects
• E441 Gelatine: derived from the bones and/or hides of cattle and/ or pigs
• E542 Edible Bone Phosphate: an extract from animal bones
• E904 Shellac: a resin from the lac insect

However, there are some E- numbers which can be extracted either from animal or plant origin and they need to be investigated on a case by case basis.

The main additives you need to be aware of are:

• Glycerol / Glycerin / Glycerine (E422) – haraam if obtained from pork or non-halal meat sources.
• Emulsifiers (E470 to E483) – haraam if obtained from pork or non-halal sources.
• Edible Bone Phosphate (E542) – haraam if obtained from pork or non-halal meat sources.