Is E481 (Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL)) Halal?
Doubtful — depends on source
E481 (Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate, SSL) is a dough-conditioning emulsifier whose stearic-acid (stearoyl) part can be plant- or animal-derived — so it is treated as doubtful (mushbooh) unless the source is known.
What is E481?
SSL is an emulsifier and dough conditioner made from stearic acid (a fatty acid) and lactic acid. It strengthens dough and improves texture in baked and processed foods.
Stearic acid is reacted with lactic acid and neutralised with sodium. The stearic acid can come from vegetable oil or animal fat — the label rarely says which.
Why is it doubtful (mushbooh)?
SSL is doubtful because its stearic-acid component can be plant- or animal-derived, and the source is usually unstated. Plant-derived SSL is halal; animal-fat SSL 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 baked goods
- Cake mixes and biscuits
- Coffee whiteners and dessert toppings
- Some snack foods
How it appears on labels
Sodium stearoyl lactylateSSLE481Emulsifier (E481)INS number: 481
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 the stearic-acid source is usually not printed on the label.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E481 (SSL) halal?
It is doubtful (mushbooh). Its stearic acid can be plant- or animal-derived, and the source is usually unstated — verify with certification or the manufacturer.
Is E481 from pork?
Its stearic acid can be animal-derived (possibly including pork sources), but it is also commonly plant-derived. Confirm via certification or the manufacturer.
What names should I look for?
'Sodium stearoyl lactylate', 'SSL' or 'E481'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Re-evaluation of sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E 481) as a food additive — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Stearic-acid 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.