E153 — Carbon Black
Black food coloring
Also known as: Carbon Black · Vegetable Carbon · Activated Charcoal
Verification required
Verify — Mushbooh
Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
Checking this in a shop right now?
Vegan / vegetarian label on pack → plant-based source → safe for this code
HFA / HMC / IFANCA / JAKIM logo → independently certified → safe
Neither? Follow the steps below.
School of Thought Breakdown
Hanafi
Verify source
Maliki
May permit
Shafi'i
Avoid if animal
Hanbali
Avoid if animal
Vegetable carbon is halal. Bone char (from animal bones) is mushbooh/haraam. Label simply says 'E153' or 'Carbon Black' - contact manufacturer to confirm plant-based source.
What to do with this product
Follow these steps in order — most products resolve at step 1 or 2
Check for a "suitable for vegans" or "suitable for vegetarians" claim
If present, E153 comes from a plant-based source — safe for this code. Still check all other ingredients too.
Look for a halal certification logo on the pack
An HFA, HMC, IFANCA, JAKIM, or ESMA logo means the source has been independently audited. The E-code is confirmed halal in this product.
Neither? Here's what to do next:
Put it back and look for a certified alternative on the same shelf.
Check for products carrying an HFA, HMC, or IFANCA logo, or labelled "suitable for vegans". Either confirms a safe source.
Did you find a certified alternative?
Verified halal alternatives:
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About E153
Color obtained from coal tar. Halal if used as 100% dry color. If used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal
Verification Required
This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.
What is E153 made from?
- charred plant material (vegetable carbon)
- charred animal bones (bone char - haraam)
Foods that commonly contain E153
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E153 (Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal)) halal?
E153 (Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal)) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
What is E153 used for?
E153 is used as a black food coloring in food products.
What foods contain E153?
E153 (Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal)) is commonly found in: liquorice, activated charcoal ice cream, some confectionery.
What is E153 made from?
E153 can be derived from the following sources: charred plant material (vegetable carbon), charred animal bones (bone char - haraam).
What are the other names for E153?
E153 may appear on food labels as: Carbon Black, Vegetable Carbon, Activated Charcoal.
food colors — 51 E-codes: 20 Halal, 2 Haraam, 29 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in food colors
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This information is for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary by source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.