E codes ingredients

E codes are codes sometimes found on food labels in the European Union (GB, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, etc.) The code indicates an ingredient which is some type of food additive. The E indicates that it is a "European Union approved" food additive.

If you never saw one before, probably you don't live in the European Union. Other countries have different food labelling laws. Even inside the EU, sometimes they use the code, sometimes they still write the word.

Halal: Halal is a Quranic term which means allowed or lawful. Halal foods and drinks are permitted for consumption by Allah-the Supreme Law Giver. Eating Halal is obligatory on every Muslim.

Haram: Haram is a Quranic term which means prohibited or unlawful. Haram foods and drinks are absolutely prohibited by Allah. Eating Haram is forbidden for every Muslim.

Mushbooh: Mushbooh is an Arabic term which means suspected and cover a grey area between Halal and Haraam. If one does not know the Halal or Harm status of a particular food or drink, such a food or drink is doubtful. A practicing Muslims prevents himself from consuming doubtful things.

Other words you may come across are Makrooh meaning ‘religiously discouraged’ or ‘disliked’ and Dhabiha meaning ‘slaughtered according to Islamic method’.