E-numbers · Firming agent
Halal firming agents: E-number list
7 firming agents checked: 7 halal, 0 doubtful and 0 haram.
| Code | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E509 | Calcium chloride | Halal |
| E511 | Magnesium chloride | Halal |
| E516 | Calcium sulphate | Halal |
| E520 | Aluminium sulphate | Halal |
| E521 | Aluminium sodium sulphate | Halal |
| E522 | Aluminium potassium sulphate | Halal |
| E523 | Aluminium ammonium sulphate | Halal |
About firming agents
Firming agents keep fruit and vegetables from going soft, especially in tins and jars. Calcium chloride (E509) is the one you see most often, for example in tinned tomatoes and pickles. Calcium sulphate (E516) and magnesium chloride (E511) are also used to set tofu.
All the firming agents here are minerals. The aluminium compounds, E520 to E523, are rarely used in food. None involves animal ingredients.
Tofu makers use calcium sulphate or magnesium chloride to curdle soya milk into curds, which is why calcium often appears on tofu packs.