What is E423?
E423 is Octenyl succinic acid-modified gum arabic, a food additive used as an emulsifier. Plant-derived.
Also written as: INS 423, E-423, E 423. 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 E423 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E423 (Octenyl succinic acid-modified gum arabic) 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 Plant-derived.
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 E423 halal?
E423 (Octenyl succinic acid-modified gum arabic) is halal. Plant-derived.
What is E423 made from?
Gum arabic (acacia tree).
What is E423 used for?
E423 is used as an emulsifier, typically in bread, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, ice cream and margarine.
What should I do if a product contains E423?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E423 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E423 (Octenyl succinic acid-modified gum arabic) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.