What is E538?
E538 is Calcium ferrocyanide, a food additive used as an anti-caking agent. Mineral. Used in salt.
Also written as: INS 538, E-538, E 538. 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 E538 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E538 (Calcium ferrocyanide) 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 Mineral. Used in salt.
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 E538 halal?
E538 (Calcium ferrocyanide) is halal. Mineral. Used in salt.
What is E538 made from?
Mineral salt.
What is E538 used for?
E538 is used as an anti-caking agent, typically in salt, powdered drinks, spices, supplements and tablets.
What should I do if a product contains E538?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E538 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E538 (Calcium ferrocyanide) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.