Is E433 halal?

What is E433?

Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic emulsifier made in several steps. Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol made from glucose, is turned into sorbitan and combined with oleic acid, a fatty acid. The result is then reacted with ethylene oxide, giving a yellowish, oily liquid that helps oil and water mix.

Why it's marked “Depends on the source”

The sorbitol and ethylene oxide parts raise no halal question. The issue is the oleic acid, which is made from fats and oils and can come from plant oils such as olive or sunflower, or from animal fat such as tallow. The label does not show which was used.

How to check the label

Look for a halal certificate or the words “vegetable origin” next to the emulsifier. Without either, ask the manufacturer where the oleic acid comes from.

Where you'll find it

• ice cream
• cakes and pastries
• emulsified sauces
• chewing gum
• food supplements

Good to know

• In 2015 EFSA set a group ADI of 25 mg per kg body weight per day for the polysorbates E432–E436.
• On labels it may appear as polysorbate 80 or polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate.

Similar additives

• Emulsifiers Depends on the source
• E470a Salts of fatty acids Depends on the source
• E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids Depends on the source
• E472 Esters of mono- and diglycerides (E472a–f) Depends on the source
• E472e DATEM (diacetyl tartaric esters of mono- and diglycerides) Depends on the source
• E473 Sucrose esters of fatty acids Depends on the source

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. EFSA re-evaluation of polysorbates E432–E436 (2015)
2. EU specifications for food additives, Regulation (EU) No 231/2012
3. US 21 CFR 172.840, polysorbate 80

Frequently asked questions