E570: fatty acids (stearic acid)

Is stearic acid (E570) halal?

Depends on the source

Depends on the source. Stearic acid can be made from plant oils or from animal fat, including pork fat.

Depends on the source means it can be made from plants, microbes or minerals, or from animals, including pigs. From plants, microbes or a halal-slaughtered animal it is halal; from pigs it is not. The label often does not say which, so look for a halal logo, a vegan label or a note on the source, or ask the maker.

What it is and where it comes from

E570 covers fatty acids such as stearic, palmitic and oleic acid. They are made by splitting fats and oils. 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

Chewing gum, sweets, chocolate coatings, flavourings, and as a binder in tablets and supplements.

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.

Related

All ingredients and E-numbers

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