EtqaE481 Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate
MashboohIs E481 halal? The Etqa database classifies E481, sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate, as mashbooh, which means doubtful.
Reason
Mashbooh because the stearic acid used in its production may be derived from animal fat (including pork) or plant oil; Halal status requires source verification.
About E481
- Number range
- E400–E499: thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers
- Origin
- Synthetic compound produced from the reaction of lactic acid and stearic acid. The stearic acid component can be derived from animal fats (potentially pork or beef) or plant oils (such as palm or soybean).
- Used in
- Baked goods
- Cream liqueur drinks
- Bread
- Processed foods
- Also called
- Sodium stearoyl lactylate
- Forms
- E481(ii) Sodium oleyl lactylate
Safety evaluation
European Food Safety Authority: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E 481) and calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E 482) as food additives. (2013).
What this page is. The classification, the reason, the origin and the food uses are quoted from the Etqa ingredient database as of 2 October 2026. The name of the additive, its other names and forms follow the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy. This is information, not a halal certificate and not a fatwa. An ingredient list rarely says where an additive comes from: look for a halal certification mark or ask the manufacturer.
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