Is E904 halal or haram?
Shellac · Glazing agent
E904 (Shellac) is generally classified as suspect (mashbooh). A resin secreted by the lac insect. Rulings differ: Indonesia's MUI rules it permissible (fatwa 27/2013), while scholars who forbid eating insects avoid it. Doubtful.
What is E904?
E904, listed on labels as Shellac, is a glazing agent that adds a shiny, protective coating. You'll most often find it in packaged and processed foods.
Is E904 halal? The verdict
E904 is mashbooh (doubtful). A resin secreted by the lac insect. Rulings differ: Indonesia's MUI rules it permissible (fatwa 27/2013), while scholars who forbid eating insects avoid it. Doubtful. 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 E904 on a label
Scan the ingredient list for E904 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 E904 automatically and tells you whether the product declares a halal source.
Other names & label terms to scan for
ShellacGlazing agent 904INS 904E904
Bottom line
E904 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 E904 and every other suspect or not-halal additive automatically — just scan the barcode or snap the ingredient list. Plain-language verdicts, 25+ languages.
Prefer to check as you shop? The halal barcode scanner app scans a barcode or an ingredient photo and gives you the verdict on the spot.