Working With Muslims
DIETARY TOOL

Halal Ingredient Scanner

The quick way to spot "Hidden Haram" ingredients in office snacks and canteen food.

Instant Ingredient Checker

Scan E-numbers (e.g. E120) or Names (e.g. Gelatine)

Use with Caution

This is a basic lookup tool for common additives. It does not account for:

  • Microbial/Synthetic variations of ingredients.
  • Manufacturing cross-contamination.
  • Specific School of Thought (Madhab) differences.
Always check the "Vegetarian" label for safety.

Try: E120, Gelatine, Shellac, E471

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Search an ingredient to check its status.

The "Hidden Haram" Traps

For office managers ordering snacks or catering, it represents a minefield. Many products that look vegetarian (like sweets, yoghurts, or biscuits) contain animal derivatives.

The Big 3 to Watch

1. E120 (Carmine / Cochineal)

What is it? A red food die made from crushed beetles.
Where is it? Red sweets, strawberry yoghurts, red velvet cake.
Status: Haram (Forbidden) according to majority opinion because eating insects is prohibited.

2. E441 (Gelatine)

What is it? Collagen from animal skin/bones (usually pig or cow).
Where is it? Gummy bears, marshmallows, mousses, some jams.
Status: Haram unless specific "Beef Gelatine (Halal)" is stated. Pork gelatine is strictly forbidden.

3. Alcohol (Ethanol)

The Trap: Not just in wine. Alcohol is often used as a solvent for vanilla extract or flavourings.
The Rule: "Spirit Vinegar" is usually Halal (chemical transformation), but "White Wine Vinegar" is questionable.

The "Vegetarian" Hack

The easiest way to be safe? Look for the Green 'V' (Vegetarian) symbol.

Vegetarian food is free from all dead animal derivatives (Gelatine, Cochineal, Animal Rennet, Animal Fats). It is almost always Halal-complaint (excluding alcohol). Vegan is even safer.