Shellac

Glazing agent from lac insect resin secretion; used on confectionery coatings, fruit waxes, and supplement capsules

Also known as Gum Lac, Confectioners Glaze

IFANCA + MUI and MUIS classify as doubtful; SANHA classifies as halal.

Based on 3 cited authorities. Confidence: low.

What authorities say

3 authorities on record

2say Doubtful1says Halal

Saying Doubtful2 of 3

IFANCA + MUI

Mushbooh, under discussion. Some authorities exclude shellac from halal

MUIS

MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Obtained from the resin produced by lac insect (Laccifer lacca).

Saying Halal1 of 3

SANHA

Resin of lac insect (2009 ruling, modified 2023)

Why this verdict

E904 is shellac, a resin secreted by the lac insect, used as a glazing agent on confectionery, fruit, and supplement coatings. SANHA classifies E904 as Halaal, while IFANCA and MUI classify it as doubtful. The fiqh question is whether the insect secretion counts as a pure substance like honey or as part of the insect, and commercial shellac may be treated with alcohol. MUIS marks E904 as syubhah, noting it is obtained from the resin produced by the lac insect (Laccifer lacca). With the authorities differing and the commercial form unconfirmed, E904 is doubtful by default.

Food-safety note

Permitted as a glazing agent in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15), subject to maximum permitted levels. A resin used to coat confectionery, fruit, and tablets; regarded as safe and passes through the body largely undigested. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E904 halal?

Shellac (E904) is classified doubtful. IFANCA + MUI and MUIS classify it as doubtful; SANHA classifies it as halal.

What is E904 made from?

Shellac (E904) is commonly found in Candy coating, chocolate panning, pharmaceutical pill coating, and fruit wax coating.

Is the carrier used in E904 always halal?

Not necessarily. The base ingredient may be plant-derived, but its commercial formulation can use a carrier (oil, gelatin, or solvent) that is not always disclosed on the label. Halal certification or an explicit vegetable-carrier label confirms the carrier is acceptable.

What is a halal alternative to E904?

Halal-considered alternatives include Carnauba Wax (E903) and Beeswax (E901).

Try instead

E903Carnauba Wax E901Beeswax

Carrier risk

The base ingredient may be plant-derived, but its commercial formulation can use a carrier (oil, gelatin, or solvent) that is not always disclosed on the label. Halal certification or an explicit vegetable-carrier label confirms the carrier is acceptable.

Based on 3 cited authorities. Verdict may be revised as more positions are added.

Found in

Candy coatingchocolate panningpharmaceutical pill coatingfruit wax coating