What is E585?
E585 is Ferrous lactate, a food additive used as a colour (food color). Used to keep black olives dark.
Also written as: INS 585, E-585, E 585. 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 E585 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E585 (Ferrous lactate) 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 Used to keep black olives dark.
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 E585 halal?
E585 (Ferrous lactate) is halal. Used to keep black olives dark.
What is E585 made from?
Iron and lactic acid (fermentation).
What is E585 used for?
E585 is used as a colour, typically in sweets, soft drinks, desserts, sauces and snacks.
What should I do if a product contains E585?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E585 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E585 (Ferrous lactate) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.