[Q 640] Consuming the ingredients Red 40 And Confectioners Glaze

QUESTION:

Dear respected scholars, is Red 40 halal, similarly confectioner’s glaze, given their widespread use in numerous food products today?

ANSWER:

Red 40 is permissible to consume, as it is made from petroleum which is not from an impure source. It is also not harmful to the body in the amounts commonly consumed.
Note: This ingredient is often confused with Red 4. This is also known as cochineal or carmine and is made by drying and crushing cochineal insects. This is impermissible to consume.
As for confectioners glaze, which is also known as shellac, it is permissible to consume. Although, due to the disagreement of scholars regarding this, it is better to avoid it.
Answered By: Sabih Attari (Ask Mufti Scholar)
Verified By: Mufti Sajid Attari
Date: May 20, 2026

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