What is E1517?
E1517 is Glyceryl diacetate (diacetin), a food additive used as a carrier. Glycerol can come from plant oils or from animal fat, including pork fat, and the label rarely says which. It is doubtful unless the product is vegan or halal certified.
Also written as: INS 1517, E-1517, E 1517, diacetin. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
How E1517 is made and where it is used
This section is food science. The religious classification is explained further down.
Glyceryl diacetate (diacetin) is a solvent and carrier for flavourings and colours.
Glycerol is reacted with acetic acid. The glycerol can be plant or animal derived.
It is uncommon on labels.
What to do
Look for a halal logo, a "vegan" label, or a stated plant source on the pack. If none of these are present, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for the source.
Is E1517 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E1517 (Glyceryl diacetate (diacetin)) can be made from plant or animal sources, and labels rarely say which. A vegetarian or vegan label on the pack confirms a plant or synthetic source.
Why we classify it this way
Doubtful Glycerol can come from plant oils or from animal fat, including pork fat, and the label rarely says which. It is doubtful unless the product is vegan or halal certified.
Basis: Source or process not stated. It can be made from sources that change the ruling (for example pigs, an animal that was not slaughtered correctly, or alcohol), and the label does not say which.
References
- Resolution No. 210 (6/22): Transmutation and Dilution of Additives in Food and Medication, International Islamic Fiqh Academy (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), 22 March 2015. Defines istihalah as a complete change into a different substance and says a partial change does not make a defiled substance pure. Adopts a 1995 IOMS fatwa that allows a slight amount of alcohol as a solvent for colours and preservatives, and alcohol on the skin, but says foods containing wine are not permitted even in a small ratio. Pig fat and pig rennet are prohibited; rennet from a correctly slaughtered animal is permitted; most participants hold rennet from an animal that was not slaughtered impure while some disagree; rennet made by genetic engineering is permitted. Pig heparin only under necessity. Gelatin was referred for further study with no ruling.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E1517 halal?
E1517 (Glyceryl diacetate (diacetin)) is doubtful (mushbooh). Glycerol can come from plant oils or from animal fat, including pork fat, and the label rarely says which. It is doubtful unless the product is vegan or halal certified.
What is E1517 made from?
Glycerol (plant or animal) and acetic acid.
What is E1517 used for?
E1517 is used as a carrier.
What should I do if a product contains E1517?
Look for a halal logo, a "vegan" label, or a stated plant source on the pack. If none of these are present, you can contact the manufacturer and ask for the source.
Is E1517 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E1517 (Glyceryl diacetate (diacetin)) can be made from plant or animal sources, and labels rarely say which. A vegetarian or vegan label on the pack confirms a plant or synthetic source.