Is E153 (Vegetable carbon) Halal?
Doubtful — depends on source
E153 (Vegetable carbon) is a black colour from charred plant matter and is halal when plant-sourced — but because 'carbon black' can also be made from animal bone char, it is treated as doubtful unless confirmed vegetable.
What is E153?
Vegetable carbon is a black food colouring made by charring plant material such as wood or coconut shells. As specified in the EU, food-grade E153 is vegetable-derived, but the general term 'carbon black' can also refer to bone char.
Plant material is charred (carbonised) under controlled conditions and purified. The EU specification for E153 is vegetable carbon; some non-EU 'carbon black' may be of different origin.
Why is it doubtful (mushbooh)?
When E153 is genuinely vegetable carbon, it is halal (plant-derived). It is treated as doubtful because the wider term 'carbon black' can also be animal bone char, which would only be permissible if from a halal animal. Confirm the product uses vegetable-sourced carbon.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Black sweets and liquorice
- Coloured icings and decorations
- Some cheeses (rind colour)
- Novelty black foods and drinks
How it appears on labels
Vegetable carbonE153Carbon blackColour (E153)INS number: 153
How to verify a product in Singapore
- Ingredient-level guidance is not halal certification — check the complete product, not just this ingredient.
- Look for recognised halal certification, and check the finished product on the official MUIS HalalSG register.
- When the source or processing aids are unclear, contact the manufacturer.
In Singapore, verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or contact the manufacturer to confirm the carbon is vegetable-sourced.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E153 (vegetable carbon) halal?
When it is genuinely vegetable carbon it is halal. It is treated as doubtful because 'carbon black' can also mean animal bone char — confirm the source is plant.
Is vegetable carbon from bones?
E153 as specified is from charred plant matter, but the broader term 'carbon black' can be bone char. Verify the specific source.
What names should I look for?
'Vegetable carbon' or 'E153' — ideally stated as vegetable-sourced.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Re-evaluation of vegetable carbon (E 153) as a food additive — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Vegetable specification vs bone char
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · Approved uses and INS number
- Halal Certification — HalalSG — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) · Singapore halal verification process
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.