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Typical source

Lac insect secretion

Plain-language explanation

E904, or shellac, is a natural glaze derived from the secretions of the female lac bug on trees in India and Thailand, used to give foods a shiny coating. Its halal status depends on the source: if extracted from insects, it is generally considered haram (forbidden) by most scholars, but if sourced from plant-based or synthetic alternatives, it is halal. Major certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, and MUIS typically classify shellac as haram unless verified as plant-based or synthetic, while others like ESMA and HFA may allow it with proper documentation. Always check for halal certification to ensure compliance.