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E-number E172 · Colors
Iron oxides
Halal
- Typical source
- Mineral
- Plain-language explanation
- E172, or iron oxides, are synthetic colorants used to give foods black, red, or yellow shades, and they are chemically produced from iron and oxygen without any animal-derived inputs. Because they are entirely mineral-based and manufactured synthetically, they do not involve alcohol or any non-halal slaughter processes. Consequently, major halal certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, MUIS, ESMA, and HFA universally consider E172 to be halal regardless of its source. Muslim consumers can safely consume products containing this additive without any concern about its halal status.