What is E243?
E243 is Ethyl lauroyl arginate, a food additive used as a preservative. Made from lauric acid, which can come from coconut or from animal fat, with ethanol used in the synthesis. The fatty-acid source is not stated, as with the polysorbates (E432). Doubtful unless a plant source or halal logo is shown.
Also written as: INS 243, E-243, E 243. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
How E243 is made and where it is used
This section is food science. The religious classification is explained further down.
Ethyl lauroyl arginate is a synthetic preservative that works against bacteria, yeasts and moulds. It is made by combining lauric acid with the amino acid arginine and ethanol.
Lauric acid is obtained from coconut or palm kernel oil in most production, though lauric acid is also present in animal fats. Ethanol is used as a reagent in the reaction. Arginine is usually made by fermentation.
In the UK and EU its use is limited to a small number of food categories, mainly some heat-treated meat products, so you will rarely meet it on a typical shopping basket.
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 E243 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E243 (Ethyl lauroyl arginate) 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 Made from lauric acid, which can come from coconut or from animal fat, with ethanol used in the synthesis. The fatty-acid source is not stated, as with the polysorbates (E432). Doubtful unless a plant source or halal logo is shown.
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.
Made from lauric acid, like the polysorbates (E432) and sorbitan esters (E493), which are Doubtful for the same reason.
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 E243 halal?
E243 (Ethyl lauroyl arginate) is doubtful (mushbooh). Made from lauric acid, which can come from coconut or from animal fat, with ethanol used in the synthesis. The fatty-acid source is not stated, as with the polysorbates (E432). Doubtful unless a plant source or halal logo is shown.
What is E243 made from?
Lauric acid (plant or animal fat), arginine and ethanol.
What is E243 used for?
E243 is used as a preservative, typically in soft drinks, bread, cured meats, dried fruit and sauces.
What should I do if a product contains E243?
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 E243 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E243 (Ethyl lauroyl arginate) 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.