Names to look for on labels
- animal lipase
- calf lipase
- kid lipase
- lamb lipase
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.
More about lipase
Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fats. In cheese-making it gives strong, tangy flavours such as in some Italian cheeses, and it is also used in baking and dairy flavourings.
Some lipases are taken from the stomachs of calves, kids or lambs. Others are made by fungi or bacteria.
Is lipase vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. Lipase 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 Used to give cheese a sharp taste. Animal lipase from non-halal animals is avoided; microbial lipase is halal.
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.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is lipase halal?
Lipase is doubtful (mushbooh). Used to give cheese a sharp taste. Animal lipase from non-halal animals is avoided; microbial lipase is halal.
Where does lipase come from?
Animal (calf, kid, lamb or pig) or microbial.
Is lipase vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. Lipase 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.