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Is E101 halal or haram?

Riboflavin (B2) · Color (yellow)

SuspectLast reviewed: April 2026

E101 (Riboflavin (B2)) is generally classified as suspect (mashbooh). Usually microbial/synthetic. Animal-derived forms exist; verify source.

What is E101?

E101, listed on labels as Riboflavin (B2), is a colouring agent that gives food a specific hue. You'll most often find it in packaged and processed foods.

Is E101 halal? The verdict

E101 is mashbooh (doubtful). Usually microbial/synthetic. Animal-derived forms exist; verify source. Manufacturers aren't required to print the source on the label, so unless the pack states a plant/vegetable source or carries a recognised halal certification (HMC, JAKIM, MUI, IFANCA), the safest choice is to avoid it.

How to check E101 on a label

Scan the ingredient list for E101 and its other names. If it's present and the source isn't stated, treat the product as doubtful. A barcode or photo scan with Halal Food AI flags E101 automatically and tells you whether the product declares a halal source.

Other names & label terms to scan for

  • Riboflavin (B2)
  • E101

Bottom line

E101 is doubtful (mashbooh) — avoid unless the source is stated as halal or the product is halal-certified.

Stop guessing in the aisle

Halal Food AI flags E101 and every other suspect or not-halal additive automatically — just scan the barcode or snap the ingredient list. Plain-language verdicts, 25+ languages.