Is E1510 halal?

What is E1510?

Ethanol is the alcohol in alcoholic drinks. Industrially it is made by fermenting sugars or starch with yeast and distilling, or synthetically from ethylene, a petrochemical. In food it is mainly a solvent and carrier for flavourings, colours and extracts, so only small amounts reach the final product.

Why it's marked “Scholars differ”

Drinking alcohol is clearly prohibited; the question is about small amounts used in processing. Views differ on whether ethanol not made by the alcoholic-drinks industry is treated like wine, and on traces left in a food after flavourings are added or most of the alcohol evaporates.

Where views differ

Some scholars and certifiers accept ethanol that does not come from the alcoholic-drinks industry when it is used in processing and only small amounts remain. Indonesia's MUI (fatwa 10/2018) takes this approach for food if it is not harmful, and sets a limit below 0.5% for drinks. Others reject any added ethanol, whatever its source or amount.

How to check the label

Look for alcohol-free flavourings or a halal certificate from a recognised body, which shows the certifier checked the ethanol source and level. Vanilla extract and many liquid flavourings contain ethanol unless stated otherwise.

Where you'll find it

• food flavourings
• vanilla extract
• soft drinks
• flavoured desserts
• sweets

Good to know

• JECFA set the acceptable daily intake for ethanol used as a solvent as “limited by good manufacturing practice” rather than a number.
• Ethanol does not appear in the EU's specifications for authorised food additives (Regulation (EU) No 231/2012); in the EU it is used as an ordinary ingredient and solvent.

Similar additives

• E422 Glycerol (glycerin) Depends on the source
• E551 Silicon dioxide Generally halal
• E570 Fatty acids (stearic acid) Depends on the source
• E901 Beeswax Generally halal
• E1518 Glyceryl triacetate (triacetin) Depends on the source
• E1520 Propylene glycol Generally halal

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. JECFA evaluation of ethanol (INCHEM)
2. LPPOM MUI on flavourings and ethanol, fatwa 10/2018 (2023, Indonesian)

Frequently asked questions