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Typical source

Fatty acids (plant or animal)

Plain-language explanation

E473, or sucrose esters of fatty acids, is an emulsifier made by combining sugar (sucrose) with fatty acids, which can come from either plant or animal sources. Its halal status depends entirely on the origin of the fatty acids; if derived from plants or halal-slaughtered animals, it is considered halal. However, if the fatty acids come from non-halal animals like pigs, it is haram. Major halal certification bodies require verification of the source to ensure it is permissible.