Fatwa #3221827 February 2015United Kingdom
Is it permissible to consume products that contain ethyl alcohol?
Question
Are we allowed to eat the products where Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol) is used in the processing of a product as a carrier which evaporates during the manufacture?
Answer
In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The ruling of ethyl alcohol will depend on its source. If it is derived from grapes or dates, then its consumption will be impermissible. However, if it is derived from other sources besides dates or grapes, then its consumption will be permissible as long as it does not intoxicate. As such, a general ruling cannot be given on all products containing ethyl alcohol. Furthermore, other ingredients have to be considered as well for the permissibility of its consumption.
Therefore, kindly specify the product in reference so that we may advise accordingly.
You may send your reply to admin@daruliftaa.net
And Allah Ta‘āla Knows Best
Fahad Abdul Wahab
Student Darul Iftaa
USA
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai