What it is and where it comes from
E481 joins stearic acid with lactic acid. Lactic acid is made by fermentation and is halal. 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
Bread, buns, tortillas, cakes, coffee whiteners and instant desserts.
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.