Is E482 (calcium stearoyl lactylate) halal?
E482 is uncertain. Calcium stearoyl lactylate is made from stearic acid and lactic acid. Stearic acid can come from plant oils or animal fat, and the label does not say which.
Also known as / other names
calcium stearoyl lactylatecalcium stearoyl-2-lactylateCSLE 482emulsifier 482
What E482 (calcium stearoyl lactylate) actually is
E482 is an emulsifier and dough conditioner. It makes bread softer, helps dough handle machine mixing and keeps baked goods fresh for longer.
It is the calcium salt of the same compound as E481 (sodium stearoyl lactylate): stearic acid joined to lactic acid.
Why it is uncertain
The stearic acid is the question. It can be made from vegetable oils or from animal fat, which is why our table marks stearic acid (E570) uncertain.
E482 carries the same mark as E481 for the same reason.
How to check it yourself
- A vegan mark rules out animal fat.
- A halal certificate on bread or baked goods means the emulsifier source has been confirmed.
- Otherwise, ask the bakery or manufacturer whether the emulsifier is made from vegetable fat.
Where you'll run into it
Sliced bread and rolls, cakes and pastries, bakery mixes, some creamers and desserts.
Sources
- UPM Halal Products Research Institute — food emulsifier authenticity
- EU register of authorised food additives — E482 identity and permitted uses
Best-effort guidance compiled from sourced references — not a religious ruling and not a certification. Schools of thought differ, and manufacturers change formulations without notice. Please verify with the producer or your local authority when it matters. How we decide a verdict.