E-code guide
E473Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids
DoubtfulEmulsifier
E473

Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids

Emulsifier

SANHA, ANIC 2018, JAKIM Handbook 2010, MUIS, and IFANCA all classify this as doubtful.
Based on 5 cited authorities. Confidence: medium.

What authorities say

5 authorities on record
5say Doubtful
Saying Doubtful5 of 5
2
ANIC 2018
Questionable. Halal only when the source is plant
3
JAKIM Handbook 2010
Mushbooh. Halal if it is from plant fat, Haraam if it is from pork fat
4
MUIS
MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Prepared from esters of glycerol and sucrose.
5
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

E473 is sucrose esters of fatty acids, used as an emulsifier and stabiliser in baked goods, dairy, and beverages. SANHA classifies E473 as Mushbooh because the fatty-acid source must be verified, and ANIC 2018 classifies the E471 to E495 emulsifier range as Mushbooh, halal only when the source is plant. MUIS marks E473 as syubhah, noting it is prepared from esters of glycerol and sucrose. Because the fatty-acid source is rarely disclosed on the label, E473 is doubtful by default.

Food-safety note
Permitted as an emulsifier and stabiliser in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15), subject to maximum permitted levels. Sucrose esters of fatty acids, used in baked goods and beverages; assessed safe at permitted levels. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E473 halal?

Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids (E473) is classified doubtful. SANHA, ANIC 2018, JAKIM Handbook 2010, MUIS, and IFANCA classify it as doubtful.

What is E473 made from?

Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids (E473) is commonly found in Ice cream, bakery products, and beverages.

Found in
Ice creambakery productsbeverages
Last reviewed by the HalalHQ research team in June 2026.