E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) can be derived from plant oils (palm, sunflower) or animal fats (beef tallow or pork lard). In the UK and EU, if a product is labeled "Suitable for Vegetarians" or has a V-label, the E471 is guaranteed plant-derived and 100% Halal. If there is no vegetarian claim and no Halal certification logo, E471 is classified as Mushbooh (doubtful).

Is Gelatin Halal or Haram?

Gelatin derived from pigs (porcine) is universally classified as Haram by contemporary Islamic jurisprudence councils. Gelatin derived from cattle is only Halal if slaughtered according to Islamic rites (Dhabihah). Fish gelatin and plant-based alternatives (pectin, agar-agar, carrageenan) are 100% Halal.

Does KitKat use animal fats or pork?

UK and European KitKat products manufactured by Nestlé do not contain pork fat or animal fats; they use dairy whey powder, milk fat, and plant-derived soy lecithin (E322). They are suitable for vegetarians. However, standard UK KitKat bars are not officially certified Halal by bodies like HMC or HFA, whereas Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian batches carry full JAKIM or MUI Halal certificates.

UK-manufactured Haribo (such as UK Goldbears, Starmix, Tangfastics) contains porcine (pork) gelatin and is Haram. However, Haribo produced in Turkey is certified Halal by TSE and EHZ, using 100% Halal beef gelatin. Muslim consumers should inspect the packaging for "Made in Turkey" and the Halal certification logo.

Is Warburtons bread Halal in the UK?

Yes. Warburtons explicitly confirms that all their bread products use 100% plant-derived emulsifiers (vegetable E471) with no animal fats or alcohol, and they are certified by the Halal Food Authority (HFA).

Is Carmine (E120) Halal according to Islamic scholars?

Carmine (E120 / Cochineal) is a red colour extracted from crushed insects. The Hanafi school of fiqh classifies it as strictly Haram because insects (except locusts) are impermissible for consumption. The Maliki school and councils like Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta permit it. Most UK scholars advise caution, categorising it as Mushbooh.

OthersINS 904

E904 - Shellac

Dietary VerdictMushbooh

Biochemical Description & Origin:

Resinous secretion from the female lac bug (Kerria lacca) found on trees in India and Thailand.

Scholarly & Fiqh Consensus

HMC recommends avoiding confectioner's glaze containing shellac where non-insect alternatives exist.

Common Packaged Food Applications:

Shiny applesChocolate-coated raisinsJelly beansPharmaceutical tablets

Products & Brands containing E904

Cross-referenced from certified brand guides and audited retail barcode catalog

3 Verified Entries

M&M's Product RangeMushbooh

Brand: M&M's

Confectioner's glaze shellac on standard US/UK candy shell

View M&M's Guide

Reese's Product RangeMushbooh

Brand: Reese's

Used in Reese's Pieces candy shell coating

View Reese's Guide

M&M's Milk Chocolate (US/UK Packaging)Mushbooh

Brand: M&M's (Mars Wrigley)

Contains animal whey rennet and confectioner's glaze shellac (E904)

View M&M's (Mars Wrigley) Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About E904 (Shellac)

Q:Is E904 (Shellac) Halal, Haram, or Mushbooh?

E904 is classified as Mushbooh in Islamic dietary jurisprudence. Scholarly disagreement: Some councils classify it like honey/beeswax (Halal secretion). Hanafi and UK scholar bodies (HMC) advise avoidance as insect parts may be crushed during collection.

Q:What is the origin and source of E904?

The biological/chemical origin of E904 is Pork / Insect. Resinous secretion from the female lac bug (Kerria lacca) found on trees in India and Thailand.

Q:What supermarket foods commonly contain E904?

E904 is frequently formulated into: Shiny apples, Chocolate-coated raisins, Jelly beans, Pharmaceutical tablets.

Q:What do Islamic scholars and certifiers say about E904?

HMC recommends avoiding confectioner's glaze containing shellac where non-insect alternatives exist.