Names to look for on labels
- transglutaminase
- meat glue
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 transglutaminase (meat glue)
Transglutaminase is an enzyme that joins protein molecules together. It is sometimes called 'meat glue' because it can bind pieces of meat or fish into one block.
Most food-grade transglutaminase today is produced by bacterial fermentation. Older versions were extracted from animal blood plasma. It is used in reformed meats, fish products, dairy and noodles, and is not always labelled.
Is transglutaminase (meat glue) vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. Transglutaminase (meat glue) 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 Most food-grade transglutaminase is microbial, but some is made from pig or cattle blood. It binds pieces of meat or fish together. Halal if certified.
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.
- Qur'an 2:173, Quran.com. Forbids carrion, blood, swine and what is slaughtered in the name of other than God, with an allowance for genuine necessity.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is transglutaminase (meat glue) halal?
Transglutaminase (meat glue) is doubtful (mushbooh). Most food-grade transglutaminase is microbial, but some is made from pig or cattle blood. It binds pieces of meat or fish together. Halal if certified.
Where does transglutaminase (meat glue) come from?
Usually microbial fermentation; some is made from animal blood plasma.
Is transglutaminase (meat glue) vegetarian or vegan?
Not always. Transglutaminase (meat glue) 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.