What is E432?
E432 is Polysorbate 20, a food additive used as an emulsifier. Depends on the source of the fatty acid. Halal if the product is vegetarian-labelled or certified.
Also written as: INS 432, E-432, E 432, tween 20. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
How E432 is made and where it is used
This section is food science. The religious classification is explained further down.
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that helps oil and water stay mixed. It is made from sorbitol and lauric acid with ethylene oxide.
Sorbitol is made from glucose (usually corn or wheat). Lauric acid is mainly from coconut or palm kernel oil but can be animal-derived.
Used in flavour emulsions, sauces, dressings, ice cream and vitamin 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 E432 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E432 (Polysorbate 20) 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 source of the fatty acid. Halal if the product is vegetarian-labelled or 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 E432 halal?
E432 (Polysorbate 20) is doubtful (mushbooh). Depends on the source of the fatty acid. Halal if the product is vegetarian-labelled or certified.
What is E432 made from?
Sorbitol and lauric acid (plant or animal fat).
What is E432 used for?
E432 is used as an emulsifier, typically in bread, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, ice cream and margarine.
What should I do if a product contains E432?
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 E432 vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E432 (Polysorbate 20) 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.