E-code guide
E153Vegetable Carbon
DoubtfulColorant
E153

Vegetable Carbon

Black color from charcoal

SANHA, JAKIM Handbook 2010, and MUIS all classify this as doubtful.
Based on 3 cited authorities. Confidence: medium.

What authorities say

3 authorities on record
3say Doubtful
Saying Doubtful3 of 3
2
JAKIM Handbook 2010
Halal if used as 100% dry colour. Mushbooh if used as liquid colour, the solvent has to be Halal
3
MUIS
MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Black colouring which may be prepared from animal charcoal or vegetable sources. The commercial source is mainly from plant material.

Why this verdict

E153 is vegetable carbon (carbon black), a black pigment used in confectionery, sauces, and cheese coatings. SANHA classifies E153 as Mushbooh and lists the source as animal or synthetic, since carbon black can be produced by charring plant material or animal bone. JAKIM Handbook 2010 adds that it is halal only as a 100% dry colour and doubtful in liquid form. MUIS marks E153 as syubhah, noting it may be prepared from animal charcoal or vegetable sources, with the commercial source mainly plant material. With every cited authority cautious about the source, E153 is doubtful by default.

Food-safety note
Permitted as a food colour in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15), subject to maximum permitted levels. EFSA’s 2012 review found vegetable carbon safe given the large margin between dietary intake and any level of concern. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E153 halal?

Vegetable Carbon (E153) is classified doubtful. SANHA, JAKIM Handbook 2010, and MUIS classify it as doubtful.

What is E153 made from?

Vegetable Carbon (E153) is derived from plant sources.

Last reviewed by the HalalHQ research team in June 2026.