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Typical source

Animal collagen (often pork)

Plain-language explanation

E428, commonly known as gelatin, is a gelling and thickening agent obtained by boiling the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, most commonly pigs or cows. Because its origin is almost always animal-based, its halal status strictly depends on whether it is derived from a permissible source, making it highly scrutinized by major certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, MUIS, ESMA, and HFA. If the gelatin comes from pigs or animals not slaughtered according to Islamic law, it is unanimously considered haram. However, if it is sourced from cattle slaughtered in accordance with strict halal guidelines, or from permissible marine life like fish, it is accepted as halal by these certification authorities. Due to the high prevalence of pork-derived gelatin in the food industry, Muslims should only consume products containing E428 if they display a credible halal certification on the packaging.