What is E541?
E541 is Sodium aluminium phosphate, a food additive used as a raising agent. A mineral, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
Also written as: INS 541, E-541, E 541. 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 E541 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E541 (Sodium aluminium phosphate) 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 A mineral, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
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 E541 halal?
E541 (Sodium aluminium phosphate) is halal. A mineral, so there is no animal, pork or alcohol source.
What is E541 made from?
Mineral salt.
What is E541 used for?
E541 is used as a raising agent, typically in cakes, biscuits and baking powder.
What should I do if a product contains E541?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E541 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E541 (Sodium aluminium phosphate) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.