Quick Answer
Shellac is a resin secreted by the lac bug, not the bug itself. Widely considered halal.
Detailed Explanation
What is it?
Shellac (E904) is a popular additive.
Why it may be halal
Shellac is used as a glazing agent on pills and candies. Because it is an excretion of the insect (like honey from bees) and not the crushed insect itself, most Islamic scholars consider it halal.
Fiqh considerations
There are varying scholarly opinions on some of the underlying ingredients, particularly depending on your madhhab.
Practical advice
Always read the latest ingredient label or use the allhalal.info scanner app, as manufacturers frequently change their recipes. Look for certified vegan or halal symbols where possible.
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