E320 — Butylated Hydroxyanisole
Antioxidant - prevents rancidity in fatty foods
Also known as: BHA · Butylated Hydroxyanisole
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
Synthetic antioxidant - halal if vegetable oil carrier used. Mushbooh if animal fat (lard) used as carrier. 'Suitable for vegetarians' confirms halal carrier.
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, E320 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 E320
Antioxidants- preservative it is Halal only if vegetable oil is used as a carrier because it is not available in 100% form. Suitable for vegetarian label indicates that only vegetable oil is used as a carrier.
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 E320 made from?
- synthetic (petroleum-derived)
- requires a carrier - often vegetable oil
Foods that commonly contain E320
Food Category Guide
E320 is common in crisps — see the full halal guide →
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E320 (Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)) halal?
E320 (Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)) 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 E320 used for?
E320 is used as a antioxidant - prevents rancidity in fatty foods in food products.
What foods contain E320?
E320 (Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)) is commonly found in: crisps, instant noodles, chewing gum, margarine, some cereals.
What is E320 made from?
E320 can be derived from the following sources: synthetic (petroleum-derived), requires a carrier - often vegetable oil.
What are the other names for E320?
E320 may appear on food labels as: BHA, Butylated Hydroxyanisole.
antioxidants, phosphates, and complexing agents — 47 E-codes: 28 Halal, 1 Haraam, 18 Mushbooh
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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.