What is E472f?
E472f is Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides, a food additive used as an emulsifier. Same doubt as E471 — depends on the fat source.
Also written as: INS 472f, E-472f, E 472f. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
How E472f is made and where it is used
This section is food science. The religious classification is explained further down.
Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers and dough improvers.
They are made from E471 reacted with both acetic and tartaric acid. The fat source comes from E471.
They are uncommon and are used mostly in bakery 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 E472f vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E472f (Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides) 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 Same doubt as E471 — depends on the fat source.
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.
- What are diglycerides and fatty acids and are they halal?, IslamQA (Hanafi section, MuftiSays). Says mono- and diglycerides are impermissible if from animal ingredients and permissible otherwise, and that E471, E472 and E476 can come from a vegetarian, synthetic or animal source.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is E472f halal?
E472f (Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides) is doubtful (mushbooh). Same doubt as E471 — depends on the fat source.
What is E472f made from?
Made from E471, acetic and tartaric acids.
What is E472f used for?
E472f is used as an emulsifier, typically in bread, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, ice cream and margarine.
What should I do if a product contains E472f?
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 E472f vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. E472f (Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides) 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.