What is E239?
E239 is Hexamethylenetetramine, a food additive used as a preservative. Synthetic. Used in some cheeses.
Also written as: INS 239, E-239, E 239. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E239 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E239 (Hexamethylenetetramine) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Why we classify it this way
Halal Synthetic. Used in some cheeses.
Basis: No concern found. Made from plants, minerals, fermentation or synthesis, or from a permitted animal product. Nothing in normal production raises a pork, alcohol, insect or slaughter question.
No external reference is listed for this record yet.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E239 halal?
E239 (Hexamethylenetetramine) is halal. Synthetic. Used in some cheeses.
What is E239 made from?
Synthetic.
What is E239 used for?
E239 is used as a preservative, typically in soft drinks, bread, cured meats, dried fruit and sauces.
What should I do if a product contains E239?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E239 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E239 (Hexamethylenetetramine) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.