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Typical source

Citric acid (fermentation)

Plain-language explanation

E332, or potassium citrates, are salts derived from citric acid, which is commonly obtained from citrus fruits like lemons or through fermentation of sugar by microorganisms. This ingredient is generally considered halal as its sources are plant-based or microbial, both of which are permissible. However, if the citric acid is produced using microbial fermentation, the growth medium must be halal-certified to avoid contamination from non-halal sources like pork-derived enzymes. Major halal certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, and MUIS approve E332 when its source is verified as halal.