If there is E631 in Lays chips does this make them 'halal' or 'haram?

Answer 1

E631 can be generated in 3 different ways:

• It can be obtained from sardines (fish).
• It can be made from brewer's yeast extract, which is a by-product of the beer-making process.
• It can be extracted from pig's meat.

If method #1 is used, then it is halal. If method #2 is used, then it is not haram, although it is better to avoid it. However, if method #3 is used, then most certainly it is haram.

According to documents from Lay's, E361 used in their products that are produced in Pakistan is made from tapioca starch.

• E 631 is a flavor enhancer used in the masala flavor that is imported from Thailand. . E631 is produced from tapioca starch which is extracted from a plant and NOT Pig fat. Thus it is free of all animal fat. E631 is certified by the supplier, as well as the Central Islamic Committee of Thailand, to be Halal (and the latter has also specifically endorsed the use of the legend "Halal" for such flavor) ingredient is certified by The Central Islamic Committee of Thailand as Halal.

• The South African National Halaal Authority is an internationally recognized organization and an acknowledged authority on all matters pertaining to the general application of the term halal with specific reference to Islamic dietary laws.

• SANHA is recognized by Dar-ul-Uloom Binori Town, Karachi. It has over the past several years rendered assistance to the halal industry in Pakistan and has issued halal certification to several Pakistani companies. The authority is committed to standardizing halal procedures internationally thereby rendering a credible service to both the consumer and the industry.

• SANHA has investigated the ingredients used by Lay's Pakistan. It has confirmed that the ingredients are halal compliant. The authority has explained that the E631 used by Lay's Pakistan is derived from Tapioca starch, a plant based raw material which has been certified halal.

Answer 2

haram