Verify - Mushbooh

E161G

food colors

Canthaxanthin

Also known as: Canthaxanthin

International label: INS 161G

Status

Mushbooh (Questionable)

Function

Orange-red food coloring

Mushbooh (Questionable)

Is E161G (Canthaxanthin) halal?

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 to do

Don't assume. Ask the brand for halal certification or source info.

See Sources below →

About E161G

Color canthaxanthin is a Carotene pigment of plants. Its Halal status is depend upon extracting chemicals and solvents used in its liquid form.. 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 E161G made from?

natural carotenoid from plants and fungi - some synthetic production

Scholarly Notes

Natural/synthetic carotenoid - halal if extracted with halal solvents or synthetic. Often used in animal feed; direct human food use is restricted in EU. Verify source and extraction method.

Foods that commonly contain E161G

chicken feed (to color egg yolks) trout feed some confectionery tanning tablets

Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E161G (Canthaxanthin) halal?

E161G (Canthaxanthin) 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 E161G used for?

E161G is used as a orange-red food coloring in food products.

What foods contain E161G?

E161G (Canthaxanthin) is commonly found in: chicken feed (to color egg yolks), trout feed, some confectionery, tanning tablets.

What is E161G made from?

E161G can be derived from the following sources: natural carotenoid from plants and fungi - some synthetic production.

What are the other names for E161G?

E161G may appear on food labels as: Canthaxanthin.

food colors — 51 E-codes: 20 Halal, 2 Haram, 29 Mushbooh

Related E-Codes in food colors

E100

Curcumin/Turmeric

E101

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Sunset Yellow FCF / Orange Yellow S

E120

Cochineal / Carminic Acid

E122

Carmoisine / Azorubine

E123

Amaranth

E124

Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A

Indigo Carmine / Idigotine

Sources reviewed

Our E161G classification is checked against recognised halal certification bodies and mainstream Sunni scholarship before publishing. We do not treat community halal-status sites as authoritative.

HMC — Halal Monitoring Committee (UK)
HFA — Halal Food Authority (UK)
JAKIM — Dept. of Islamic Development (Malaysia)
MUI / LPPOM — Indonesian Ulema Council
IFANCA — Islamic Food & Nutrition Council (USA)
IslamQA — Sunni fatwa reference

Was this page helpful?

Optional: what was missing?

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary based on source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.

Search More E-Codes Scan a Product Label

Find Halal Alternatives →

Shop verified halal products — sweets, chocolate, bread and more

People also check

Mushbooh (Questionable) E100 Curcumin Mushbooh (Questionable) E101 Riboflavin Halal E102 Tartrazine Mushbooh (Questionable) E104 Quinoline Yellow

Stay informed

E-code statuses change — be first to know

Manufacturers switch suppliers. Scholars update rulings. Brands earn halal certification. We track every change and send one short weekly email.