Is E481 halal?
E481 is mushbooh (doubtful): it can be derived from animal or non-halal sources, so its halal status depends on the source used.
Automated classification, not a religious ruling. No scholar or certification body has reviewed this assessment — always check the product's own halal certification.
What is E481?
Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate. Emulsifier
Where does E481 come from?
E481 can be produced from either plant or animal raw materials, and the label almost never says which. The same E-number can come from a different source in another product, so where the origin matters, check that product's certification.
| Function | Emulsifier, Stabiliser |
|---|---|
| Is E481 vegetarian? | Not suitable for vegetarians |
| Approved in the EU | Yes |
| Food-safety regulator | U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food safety only — not a halal authority. |
E481 is identified internationally as Codex/INS 481.
EU approval: Yes.
Vegetarian status: Not suitable for vegetarians.
Products containing E481
Products in our database that list E481 among their ingredients:
- Coffee Enhancer French Vanilla International Delight — Danone, International Delight (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Pain blanc — POM (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Classico - Pain blanc tranché — Villagio (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- D'ITALIANO — D'ITALIANO (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Peanut Butter Crunch — Fleischer, Selbst gemacht, The Wholesome Bar, Uberti (Halal)
- Croissants Hazelnut — Kuchenzauber, Maître Jean-Pierre (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Brioche tranchée aux pepites de chocolat — Les Patissades (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Brioche Tressée aux perles de sucre — Les Pâtissades (Aldi) (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Brioche tressée — LES PÂTISSADES (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- 10 pains au lait — Les PâtissadesAldi (Halal)
- Biscotte gout brioche heudebert — Heudebert (Doubtful (mushbooh))
- Biscottes 6 Céréales — Heudebert (Doubtful (mushbooh))
How this verdict was reached
E481 can be made from either plant or animal raw materials, and manufacturers rarely declare which. That unresolved origin is what makes it doubtful rather than permitted.
What this is based on
Frequently asked questions
Is E481 halal?
E481 is mushbooh (doubtful): it can be derived from animal or non-halal sources, so its halal status depends on the source used.
Where does E481 come from?
E481 can be produced from either plant or animal raw materials, and the label almost never says which. The same E-number can come from a different source in another product, so where the origin matters, check that product's certification.
How does E481 relate to Codex/INS numbering and regional food-safety rules?
E481 is identified internationally as Codex/INS 481. EU approval: Yes. Vegetarian status: Not suitable for vegetarians.
How this verdict was reached
E481 can be made from either plant or animal raw materials, and manufacturers rarely declare which. That unresolved origin is what makes it doubtful rather than permitted.
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