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Is Benzoic acid and benzoates (E210–E213) Halal?

Yes — this one is Halal.

Halal

High confidence About this ruling

About this ruling

Evidence confidence
High means this page cites a primary regulator listing and a named Halal certifier listing, retrieved 16 August 2026. That describes the quality of the sources on this page—not a Halal certificate for the pack or outlet in your hand.
How we score High, Medium, and Low

Benzoic acid and its sodium/potassium/calcium salts are synthetic or nature-identical preservatives.

Evidence at a glance

Named sources used for this page. Open the full Sources block for notes and citation numbers.

Source Type Retrieved
EFSA — Re-evaluation of benzoic acid and benzoates (E210–E213) European Food Safety Authority Regulatory / labelling
21 CFR § 184.1021 benzoic acid U.S. eCFR Regulatory / labelling
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives European Union Regulatory / labelling
European Commission — Food additives European Commission Regulatory / labelling
Codex GSFA online FAO / WHO Codex Regulatory / labelling
SANHA — E-numbers SANHA Certifier / jurisdiction
U.S. FDA — Food additives U.S. Food and Drug Administration Regulatory / labelling

Full Sources

Additive identity

E-number
E210, E211, E212, E213
Codex INS
INS 210, INS 211, INS 212, INS 213
Function
preservative
Family
preservatives
EU Union list
authorised
Names
Benzoic acid; Sodium benzoate; Potassium benzoate; Calcium benzoate

Possible source pathways

The finished molecule can be identical across feedstocks. The Halal ruling follows the pathway, not the code alone.

  • synthetic · Typical Halal Synthetic or mineral identity. No animal tissue in the finished additive.

E-number database Compare this family

A cola glass, a typical drink that may list sodium benzoate

Why this ruling

Benzoic acid (E210) and benzoate salts (E211–E213) are Halal preservatives.[3][5] Sodium benzoate is the supermarket name.

A diet cola can be Halal in its benzoate line and still fail on alcohol flavour or carmine.

Where you'll find it

  • Soft drinks
  • Pickles and sauces

How to verify

1) Match E210–E213 or sodium benzoate. 2) Halal. 3) Diet drinks still need a sweetener and flavour read.

  • Benzoates → Halal.
  • Common in soft drinks.
  • Safety talk ≠ fiqh ban.

Conditions for Halal

  • E210–E213 → Halal
  • Finished drink: still check alcohol flavourings and colours

Scholarly differences

Benzoates are not a wine derivative in food-additive identity, even though benzoic acid occurs in some plants.

Frequently asked questions

Is sodium benzoate Halal?
Yes. It is a salt of benzoic acid, not an animal product.
Why do some lists flag it?
Usually for asthma or benzene-with-vitamin-C safety talk, not because it is pork.

Sources

Named Islamic, certifier, manufacturer, and regulatory sources used on this page. Inline markers like [1] jump here. Retrieval dates show when we last checked the live URL. Editorial methodology.

Certifier / jurisdiction

  1. SANHA — E-numbers

    SANHA

    Certifier: SANHA

    Certifier E-number literacy; not a product certificate.

    Retrieved:

Regulatory / labelling

  1. EFSA — Re-evaluation of benzoic acid and benzoates (E210–E213)

    European Food Safety Authority

    Substance identity—not a Halal certificate for a finished pack.

    Retrieved:

  2. 21 CFR § 184.1021 benzoic acid

    U.S. eCFR

    U.S. identity / GRAS or colour-additive listing—not a Halal ruling.

    Retrieved:

  3. Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives

    European Union

    Union-list identity—not a Halal certificate.

    Retrieved:

  4. European Commission — Food additives

    European Commission

    EU additive literacy hub.

    Retrieved:

  5. Codex GSFA online

    FAO / WHO Codex

    Codex INS / GSFA identity.

    Retrieved:

  6. U.S. FDA — Food additives

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration

    US identity / labelling context—not a Halal ruling.

    Retrieved:

Browse this topic

Open the parent category hub for more foods in the same group.

Applies to
General ruling; confirm local labels, slaughter, and certification when relevant
Last reviewed