Fatwa #14713 November 2000Pakistan
Emulsifiers from Europe, U.S., and Africa
Question
It will be a great help if Jamiat can update their readers with the changing E numbers for Europe and states.For many people like myself it is very difficult to get the updated information about the halal E numbers. Please is there a possibility of me getting updated information from you.
Answer
The emulsifiers used by the European countries bearing the E numbers are
different to the products manufactured in South Africa. The E numbers
appearing on the local products have no definite definition i.e. one company
defines E 471 to contain a plant base whilst another company defines E 471
to contain animal base. These are approximately 700+- emulsifiers on the
market of which half are animal based and half are plant based.
However, the overseas products with E numbers correspond to the products
manufactured in European countries.
Was salaam
Mufti E Desai
Fatwa Dept.
different to the products manufactured in South Africa. The E numbers
appearing on the local products have no definite definition i.e. one company
defines E 471 to contain a plant base whilst another company defines E 471
to contain animal base. These are approximately 700+- emulsifiers on the
market of which half are animal based and half are plant based.
However, the overseas products with E numbers correspond to the products
manufactured in European countries.
Was salaam
Mufti E Desai
Fatwa Dept.