E-code guide
E493Sorbitan Monolaurate
DoubtfulEmulsifier
E493

Sorbitan Monolaurate

Emulsifier

ANIC 2018, MUIS, and IFANCA classify as doubtful; SANHA classifies as halal.
Based on 4 cited authorities. Confidence: medium.

What authorities say

4 authorities on record
3say Doubtful1says Halal
Saying Doubtful3 of 4
1
ANIC 2018
Questionable. Halal only when the source is plant
2
MUIS
MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Prepared synthetically from sorbitol (E420) and lauric acid.
3
IFANCA
Listed among “questionable ingredients — investigate further” in IFANCA's Halal Shopper's Guide to Ingredients; the source may be animal or plant.
Saying Halal1 of 4

Why this verdict

E493 is sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20), an emulsifier used in baked goods, whipped toppings, and confectionery. SANHA classifies E493 as Halaal, while ANIC 2018 classifies it as questionable, halal only when plant-sourced. MUIS marks E493 as syubhah, noting it is prepared synthetically from sorbitol (E420) and lauric acid. Because the fatty-acid source is not disclosed on the label, E493 is doubtful by default.

Common questions

Is E493 halal?

Sorbitan Monolaurate (E493) is classified doubtful. ANIC 2018, MUIS, and IFANCA classify it as doubtful; SANHA classifies it as halal.

What is E493 made from?

Sorbitan Monolaurate (E493) is derived from plant sources.

Last reviewed by the HalalHQ research team in June 2026.