Is E304 (Ascorbyl palmitate) halal?

It depends on the source. It can be made from plants, by fermentation or synthetically, or from animal fat or tissue, and the label rarely says which. Palmitic acid is usually from palm oil but can be animal fat.

What E304 is used for

Ascorbyl palmitate is used as a antioxidant. On Australian labels it usually appears by its function and number, for example "antioxidant (304)", without the letter E.

How to tell if it's halal

Look for a halal certifier's logo, or a source named on the label, such as "emulsifier (471, from vegetable oil)". If there's neither, email the manufacturer and ask where it comes from.

Check a label with E304

Paste the full ingredient list into our label checker. It flags E304 along with every other additive that needs a second look.