E-code guide
E491Sorbitan Monostearate
DoubtfulEmulsifier
E491

Sorbitan Monostearate

Emulsifier

SANHA, ANIC 2018, MUIS, and IFANCA all classify this as doubtful.
Based on 4 cited authorities. Confidence: medium.

What authorities say

4 authorities on record
4say Doubtful
Saying Doubtful4 of 4
2
ANIC 2018
Questionable. Halal only when the source is plant
3
MUIS
MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Prepared synthetically from stearic acid (E570) and sorbitol (E420).
4
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

E491 is sorbitan monostearate (Span 60), an emulsifier and glazing agent used in baked goods, confectionery, and whipped toppings. SANHA classifies E491 as Mushbooh because the stearic acid source must be verified, and ANIC 2018 classifies the E471 to E495 range as Mushbooh, halal only when the source is plant. MUIS marks E491 as syubhah, noting it is prepared synthetically from stearic acid (E570) and sorbitol (E420). Because the source is not disclosed on the label, E491 is doubtful by default.

Common questions

Is E491 halal?

Sorbitan Monostearate (E491) is classified doubtful. SANHA, ANIC 2018, MUIS, and IFANCA classify it as doubtful.

Last reviewed by the HalalHQ research team in June 2026.