What it is and where it comes from
Polysorbates are emulsifiers made from sorbitol (a sugar alcohol from corn or wheat) and fatty acids: oleic acid in polysorbate 80, stearic acid in polysorbate 60, lauric acid in polysorbate 20. The fatty acids can come from plant oils such as palm, soy, sunflower or rapeseed, or from animal fat, including pork fat. Most made today is from plants, but the label rarely says which.
Where you find it
Ice cream, sauces, dressings, cake mixes, whipped toppings, vitamins and some medicines.
What to look for on the label
Look for a halal logo, a vegan label, or a note such as "of vegetable origin" next to the E-number. If the label says nothing, ask the maker: many companies answer by email within days.
This is a guide, not a fatwa. Recipes change, so check the label, look for halal certification, and ask your local imam where scholars differ.