Edible Bone Phosphate

Calcium-phosphate compound from animal bones, typically cattle; used as anti-caking agent in powders and as a mineral fortifier

Also known as Bone Phosphate

SANHA and MUIS all classify this as doubtful.

Based on 2 cited authorities. Confidence: low.

What authorities say

2 authorities on record

2say Doubtful

Saying Doubtful2 of 2

SANHA

Animal bones — status Mushbooh

MUIS

MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Extract from animal bones.

Why this verdict

E542 edible bone phosphate is a calcium-phosphate compound extracted from animal bones, typically cattle, used as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods and as a mineral fortifier. SANHA classifies E542 as Mushbooh. MUIS marks E542 as syubhah and lists its source plainly as an extract from animal bones. The fiqh question is the source: bone phosphate from a zabihah-slaughtered animal is halal, from a porcine source it is haram, and from non-zabihah cattle it is doubtful. The species and slaughter method are rarely declared on labels, so E542 is doubtful by default.

Food-safety note

Permitted as an anti-caking agent and mineral source in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15), subject to maximum permitted levels. Regarded as safe at the levels used in food. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E542 halal?

Edible Bone Phosphate (E542) is classified doubtful. SANHA and MUIS classify it as doubtful.

What is E542 made from?

Edible Bone Phosphate (E542) is animal-derived in origin. It is commonly found in Anti-caking agent in dry products and mineral supplements.

What is a halal alternative to E542?

Halal-considered alternatives include Silicon Dioxide (E551), Calcium Silicate (E552), Magnesium Silicate (E553A), Calcium Carbonate (E170), and Calcium Phosphates (E341).

Try instead

E551Silicon Dioxide E552Calcium Silicate E553AMagnesium Silicate E170Calcium Carbonate E341Calcium Phosphates

Based on 2 cited authorities. Verdict may be revised as more positions are added.

Found in

Anti-caking agent in dry productsmineral supplements