Is E472e (Mono/diacetyl tartaric acid esters (DATEM)) Halal?
Doubtful — depends on source
E472e (DATEM) is a dough-strengthening emulsifier built on mono- and diglycerides whose fat source can be plant or animal — so it is treated as doubtful (mushbooh) unless the source is known.
What is E472e?
DATEM is an emulsifier and dough conditioner widely used to strengthen bread dough and improve loaf volume. It is made from mono- and diglycerides (like E471) reacted with tartaric acid derivatives, and the underlying fat can be vegetable or animal.
Mono- and diglycerides are esterified with diacetyl tartaric acid. The glycerides' fatty acids can come from vegetable oil or animal fat — the label rarely states which.
Why is it doubtful (mushbooh)?
Like E471, DATEM is doubtful because the fat used to make its glycerides can be plant- or animal-derived, and the source is usually unstated. Plant-derived DATEM is halal; animal-fat DATEM is only permissible if from a halal animal. Verify before assuming.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Bread and bread rolls
- Wraps, buns and bakery products
- Some coffee whiteners and whipped toppings
How it appears on labels
DATEME472eEmulsifier (E472e)Diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and diglyceridesINS number: 472e
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, since DATEM is common in bakery products and its fat source is usually not printed.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E472e (DATEM) halal?
It is doubtful (mushbooh). The fat used to make it can be plant- or animal-derived, and the source is usually unstated — so verify with certification or the manufacturer.
Is DATEM from pork?
It can be made from animal fat, which could include pork-derived sources, but it is also commonly vegetable-derived. Look for certification or ask the manufacturer.
What foods contain DATEM?
It is very common in bread, buns, wraps and bakery products, and in some coffee whiteners and toppings.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Re-evaluation of DATEM (E 472e) as a food additive — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Glyceride fat source can be plant or animal
- 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.