Verify - Mushbooh

E153

food colors

Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal)

Also known as: Carbon BlackVegetable CarbonActivated Charcoal
Status
Mushbooh (Questionable)
Function
Black food coloring

Mushbooh (Questionable)

Is E153 (Carbon Black) halal?

Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.

What to do

Don't assume. Ask the brand for halal certification or source info.

About E153

Color obtained from coal tar. Halal if used as 100% dry color. If used as liquid color, the solvent has to be Halal

Verification Required

This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.

What is E153 made from?

  • charred plant material (vegetable carbon)
  • charred animal bones (bone char - haraam)

Scholarly Notes

Vegetable carbon is halal. Bone char (from animal bones) is mushbooh/haraam. Label simply says 'E153' or 'Carbon Black' - contact manufacturer to confirm plant-based source.

Foods that commonly contain E153

liquorice activated charcoal ice cream some confectionery

Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E153 (Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal)) halal?

E153 (Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal)) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.

What is E153 used for?

E153 is used as a black food coloring in food products.

What foods contain E153?

E153 (Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal)) is commonly found in: liquorice, activated charcoal ice cream, some confectionery.

What is E153 made from?

E153 can be derived from the following sources: charred plant material (vegetable carbon), charred animal bones (bone char - haraam).

What are the other names for E153?

E153 may appear on food labels as: Carbon Black, Vegetable Carbon, Activated Charcoal.

Was this page helpful?

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. For religious rulings, consult a qualified Islamic scholar or halal certification authority. E-code classifications may vary based on source, manufacturing process, and school of thought.

Find Halal Alternatives →

Shop verified halal products — sweets, chocolate, bread and more

Stay informed

E-code statuses change — be first to know

Manufacturers switch suppliers. Scholars update rulings. Brands earn halal certification. We track every change and send one short weekly email.