E-code guide
E431Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate
DoubtfulEmulsifier
E431

Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate

Emulsifier

SANHA, MUIS, and IFANCA 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
MUIS
MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Synthesised using stearic acid (E570).
3
IFANCA
Listed among “questionable ingredients — investigate further” in IFANCA's Halal Shopper's Guide to Ingredients; the source may be animal or plant.

Why this verdict

E431 is polyoxyethylene (40) stearate, an emulsifier and defoamer in baked goods and confectionery. SANHA classifies E431 as Mushbooh because the stearate is derived from stearic acid, which can be plant-derived or animal-derived. MUIS marks E431 as syubhah, noting it is synthesised using stearic acid (E570). Because the source is not disclosed on the label, E431 is doubtful by default.

Common questions

Is E431 halal?

Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate (E431) is classified doubtful. SANHA, MUIS, and IFANCA classify it as doubtful.

Last reviewed by the HalalHQ research team in June 2026.