Is E572 (Magnesium stearate) 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. Made from fatty acids that can come from plant oils or animal fat (including pork). Source is rarely on the label. Common in tablets and supplements.

What E572 is used for

Magnesium stearate is used as a anti-caking agent. On Australian labels it usually appears by its function and number, for example "anti-caking agent (572)", 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 E572

Paste the full ingredient list into our label checker. It flags E572 along with every other additive that needs a second look.

Related additives

E542 Bone phosphate