What is E431?
E431 is Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate, a food additive used as an emulsifier. Depends on the fat source. Rarely used in UK food.
Also written as: INS 431, E-431, E 431. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
How E431 is made and where it is used
This section is food science. The religious classification is explained further down.
Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate is an emulsifier made by attaching polyethylene glycol chains to stearic acid.
Stearic acid can be obtained from plant fats or from animal fat such as tallow, and the label does not say which.
It is an uncommon emulsifier; look for it in bakery and imported products.
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 E431 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E431 (Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate) 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 Depends on the fat source. Rarely used in UK food.
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 E431 halal?
E431 (Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate) is doubtful (mushbooh). Depends on the fat source. Rarely used in UK food.
What is E431 made from?
Stearic acid from plant or animal fat.
What is E431 used for?
E431 is used as an emulsifier, typically in bread, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, ice cream and margarine.
What should I do if a product contains E431?
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 E431 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E431 (Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate) 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.