Spirit Vinegar

QUESTION:

Is “Savemor” white spirit vinegar Halaal?
The information on the packaging states that it’s naturally fermented with 5% minimum acidity.

ANSWER:

In principle, spirit vinegar is often referred to the double fermentation, or the stronger variety made from sugar cane, or chemically produced acetic acid. See the details below:

Spirit Vinegar is widely used as a natural acidifier in recipes and sauces. It’s the most common form of vinegar and also the most affordable.

To make spirit vinegar, harvested sugar cane is converted into molasses, which is then fermented and distilled into high strength alcohol (96,4%). That alcohol is diluted and added to a mash before being converted to spirit vinegar in acetators. (Re: Internet)

Therefore, spirit vinegar is permissible to consume due to the process it goes through, i.e. removing the quality of intoxication.

وإذا تخللت الخمر حلت سواء صارت خلا بنفسها أو بشيء طرح فيها ولا يكره تخليلها

مختصر القدوري ص:  204

وخل الخمر حلال ولو خللت بعلاج

مجمع الأنهرفي شرح ملتقى الأبحر ص: 1969

وحلّ الانتباذ في الدّبّاء والحنتم والمزفّت والنّقير وخلّ الخمر سواءٌ خلّلت أو تخلّلت

كنز الدقائق ص: 620

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani

Date: 25 Muharram 1448 / 11 July 2026

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb