E214 — Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
Preservative - paraben family, antifungal
Also known as: Ethyl PHB · Ethylparaben · Ethyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate
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
Halal in dry/powder form. Mushbooh if alcohol is used as a solvent in the formulation. Check product formulation or seek halal certification.
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, E214 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?
Halal snacks — no E214:
Browse halal alternatives on AmazonAmazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.
About E214
Chemical preservative. Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haraam if alcohol is used as a solvent
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 E214 made from?
- synthetic
Foods that commonly contain E214
Food Category Guide
E214 is common in baked goods — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E214 (Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) halal?
E214 (Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) 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 E214 used for?
E214 is used as a preservative - paraben family, antifungal in food products.
What foods contain E214?
E214 (Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) is commonly found in: baked goods, beverages, sauces, pickles.
What is E214 made from?
E214 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic.
What are the other names for E214?
E214 may appear on food labels as: Ethyl PHB, Ethylparaben, Ethyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate.
preservatives — 48 E-codes: 40 Halal, 0 Haraam, 8 Mushbooh
Related E-Codes in preservatives
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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.