HalalCodeCheck logo
HalalCodeCheck
Yes - Halal

E218

preservatives

Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Also known as: Methyl PHBMethylparabenMethyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate
International label: INS 218
Status
Halal
Function
Preservative - most commonly used paraben

Halal

Is E218 (Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) halal?

Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

What to do

Safe to buy. This additive is permissible under Islamic dietary law.

See which foods use it →

About E218

Chemical preservative. Halal, if used as 100% dry powder or granular. Haram if alcohol is used as a solvent

What is E218 made from?

  • synthetic

Scholarly Notes

Synthetic chemical - halal if no alcohol solvent used.

Foods that commonly contain E218

Food Category Guide

E218 is common in baked goods — see the full halal guide →

baked goods sauces beverages confectionery

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E218 (Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) halal?

E218 (Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) is classified as Halal. Generally accepted as halal. This additive is typically derived from plant or synthetic sources and does not contain any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic dietary laws.

What is E218 used for?

E218 is used as a preservative - most commonly used paraben in food products.

What foods contain E218?

E218 (Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate) is commonly found in: baked goods, sauces, beverages, confectionery.

What is E218 made from?

E218 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic.

What are the other names for E218?

E218 may appear on food labels as: Methyl PHB, Methylparaben, Methyl 4-Hydroxybenzoate.

preservatives — 48 E-codes: 40 Halal, 0 Haram, 8 Mushbooh

Related E-Codes in preservatives

E200
Sorbic Acid
E201
Sodium Sorbate
E202
Potassium Sorbate
E203
Calcium Sorbate
E210
Benzoic Acid
E211
Sodium Benzoate
E212
Potassium Benzoate
E213
Calcium Benzoate
E214
Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
E215
Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt
E216
Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate
E217
Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt

Sources reviewed

Our E218 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?

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

People also check

Halal E200 Sorbic Acid Halal E201 Sodium Sorbate Halal E202 Potassium Sorbate Halal E203 Calcium Sorbate

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.