Xanthophylls

Colouring

JAKIM Handbook 2010 classifies this as doubtful.

Based on 1 cited authority. Confidence: medium.

What authorities say

1 authority on record

1says Doubtful

Saying Doubtful1 of 1

JAKIM Handbook 2010

Halal if used as 100% dry colour. Mushbooh if used as liquid colour, the solvent has to be Halal

Why this verdict

E161 is xanthophylls, a group of yellow carotenoid pigments used to colour beverages, confectionery, and egg-yolk-related products. JAKIM Handbook 2010 classifies E161 as Mushbooh as its primary verdict, halal as a 100% dry colour but doubtful in liquid form because the solvent must also be halal. No other major halal authority in the source corpus has published a position. The pigment itself is plant-derived; check for halal certification on liquid colour formulations.

Food-safety note

Permitted as food colours in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15). Yellow carotenoid pigments found in plants such as marigolds; regarded as safe at permitted levels. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E161 halal?

Xanthophylls (E161) is classified doubtful. JAKIM Handbook 2010 classifies it as doubtful.

What is E161 made from?

Xanthophylls (E161) is derived from plant sources.

Only JAKIM Handbook 2010 has a published position on this additive. The verdict is provisional until more authorities weigh in.