E904
surface coating agents, gases, sweetenersShellac
What should I do with this product?
Safe to buy. This additive is permissible under Islamic dietary law.
See which foods use it →Avoid this code. Check halal alternatives or scan a substitute product.
See Alternatives below →About E904
Miscellaneous - glazing agents glazing with shellac is not Halal because alcohol is used to dissolve the shellac and then evaporate before glazing on food products. Pure shellac without alcohol is Halal because it is a insect secretion.
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 E904 made from?
- secretion of the lac insect (Kerria lacca)
Foods that commonly contain E904
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Scholarly Notes
Haraam under Hanafi, Maliki and Shafi'i schools as it is an insect secretion. Some contemporary scholars distinguish between the insect itself and its secretion - consult your scholar.
Halal Alternatives
These E-codes serve a similar function and are generally considered halal:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E904 (Shellac) halal?
E904 (Shellac) 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 E904 used for?
E904 is used as a glazing agent - shiny coating on sweets and pills in food products.
What foods contain E904?
E904 (Shellac) is commonly found in: shiny jelly beans, chocolate-coated sweets, some fresh fruit (apple wax coating), medicine tablet coatings.
What is E904 made from?
E904 can be derived from the following sources: secretion of the lac insect (Kerria lacca).
What are the other names for E904?
E904 may appear on food labels as: Shellac, Lac Resin, Confectioner's Glaze, Pharmaceutical Glaze.
surface coating agents, gases, sweeteners category - 31 E-codes total: 24 Halal, 2 Haraam, 5 Mushbooh.
Related E-Codes in surface coating agents, gases, sweeteners
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