What is E586?
E586 is 4-Hexylresorcinol, a food additive used as an antioxidant. Synthetic. Used on prawns and shellfish to stop black spots forming.
Also written as: INS 586, E-586, E 586. 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 E586 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E586 (4-Hexylresorcinol) 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 Synthetic. Used on prawns and shellfish to stop black spots forming.
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 E586 halal?
E586 (4-Hexylresorcinol) is halal. Synthetic. Used on prawns and shellfish to stop black spots forming.
What is E586 made from?
Synthetic.
What is E586 used for?
E586 is used as an antioxidant, typically in oils, crisps, cereals and fatty foods.
What should I do if a product contains E586?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Is E586 vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. E586 (4-Hexylresorcinol) is normally made from plant, mineral, microbial or synthetic sources, so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.