What is E443?
E443 is Brominated vegetable oil, a food additive used as a stabiliser. Plant-based, but banned in UK and EU food; it has been found in some imported soft drinks.
Also written as: INS 443, E-443, E 443. 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 E443 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E443 (Brominated vegetable oil) 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-based, but banned in UK and EU food; it has been found in some imported soft drinks.
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 E443 halal?
E443 (Brominated vegetable oil) is halal. Plant-based, but banned in UK and EU food; it has been found in some imported soft drinks.
What is E443 made from?
Vegetable oil treated with bromine.
What is E443 used for?
E443 is used as a stabiliser.
What should I do if a product contains E443?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E443 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E443 (Brominated vegetable oil) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.