Is Lipase Halal?

The short answer

Lipase is an enzyme, and its ruling depends on where it came from. Microbial lipase is halal. Animal lipase is halal only if the animal was slaughtered the Islamic way. Lipase from pigs is haram. Because labels rarely say which one was used, cheese with unnamed lipase is doubtful unless it is certified.

What is lipase, and where does it come from?

Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fat. Cheesemakers add it to some cheeses to give them a strong, sharp, tangy flavor. It is common in Italian-style cheeses such as Parmesan, Romano and Provolone. Lipase comes from three commercial sources:

• Microbes, such as molds called Aspergillus. Everyone agrees this lipase is halal.
• Glands in the throats of young animals, such as calves, young goats or lambs. This lipase is halal only if the animal was slaughtered the Islamic way.
• Animal pancreas. The same condition applies.

Lipase from pigs also exists, and it is haram.

Why is unnamed lipase doubtful?

Ingredient lists usually just say "lipase" or "enzymes," with no source. Scholars apply the same reasoning they use for rennet in cheese. If an enzyme could come from a non-halal animal or a pig, and the label does not say, the cautious ruling is to avoid it. Our rennet, pepsin and enzymes pages use the same approach.

What should you look for on a cheese label?

• "Microbial enzyme," "vegetarian," or a halal symbol. These make the cheese halal.
• Unnamed "lipase" or "enzymes" on a strong Italian cheese. Treat it as doubtful.
• If a certain cheese matters to you, contact the company and ask.

Common questions

Is lipase halal?

It depends on the source. Microbial lipase is halal. Animal lipase is halal only if the animal was slaughtered the Islamic way. Lipase from pigs is haram, and unnamed lipase is doubtful.

Is the lipase in Parmesan halal?

Only if it is microbial or comes from an animal slaughtered the Islamic way. Traditional Parmesan-style cheeses often use lipase from young animals without saying which ones. That is why they are often treated as doubtful unless certified.

Is microbial lipase halal?

Yes. Everyone agrees that lipase made by microbes, for example by Aspergillus molds, is halal.

How do I know which lipase a cheese uses?

The label rarely says. Look for "microbial enzyme," a vegetarian symbol or a halal symbol. Otherwise, contact the company, and treat unnamed lipase as doubtful.

The bottom line

Lipase is a "depends," and the answer comes down to the source. Microbial lipase is halal. Animal lipase is halal only from an animal slaughtered the Islamic way, and lipase from pigs is haram. Because labels rarely name the source, choose cheeses that say "microbial" or "vegetarian," or that carry a halal symbol.