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Typical source

Marigold flowers

Plain-language explanation

E161B, commonly known as lutein, is a natural yellow-orange pigment found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, as well as in marigold flowers. In the food industry, it is primarily extracted from marigold petals and used as a natural coloring agent in various products. Because its most common commercial sources are plant-based, it is generally considered halal by major certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, MUIS, ESMA, and HFA. However, lutein can occasionally be processed using animal-based fats or derived from non-halal animal sources, which would make it impermissible. To ensure it is completely halal, Muslim consumers should look for a trusted halal certification logo on the product packaging or verify the source with the manufacturer.