E Numbers

E-Numbers represent specific food additives, used by the food industry in the manufacture of various food products. These E-Numbers have been formulated by the European Economic Community (EEC) and are universally adopted by the food industry worldwide.

It is known that many E-numbers contain unlisted haram ingredients in them. Generally additives derived from animals and insects.


The E-numbers are categorised as follows:

• E100-199 food colours



• E200-299 preservatives



• E300-399 antioxidants, phosphates, and complexing agents



• E400-499 thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers



• E500-599 salts and related compounds



• E600-699 flavour enhancers



• E700-899 not used for food additives (used for feed additives)



• E900-999 surface coating agents, gases, sweeteners



• E1000-1399 miscellaneous additives



• E1400-1499 starch derivatives





Yes, there are few additives which are ALWAYS of animal origin, such as:


• 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


Whilst some additives with a common code such as E47, can be either of animal or plant origin and this latter type needs to be investigated on a case-by-case basis per product/ manufacturer.