Maybe this will help you:
http://muftisays.com/qa.php?viewpage=viewQA&question=2852
Respected Elders,
Assalamu-alykum Warahmatullah,
Are all products that contain vinegar, sprit vinegar or malt vinegar, regardless on how the manufactures produce it, because it varies from company to company, Which are part of the ingredients in e.g. Tomato ketchup, mayonnaise or salad cream etc, etc. Is it Halal or Haram. Because as i understand it vinegar is made from alcohol?
May Allah elevate the Ummah
Jazakallah.
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Answer
Ulamaa ID 03
Answer last updated on: 27/05/2007 23:44pm
Answered by: Ulamaa ID 03
Website
Location: UK
In the Name of Allah, the Inspirer of Truth.
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
All vinegars are permissible.
Vinegar is produced by two successive microbial processes. The first being an alcoholic fermentation (which is Haraam) and the second an oxidation of alcohol by aceto bacter, when it's molecular structure is changed and it ceases to be an intoxicant. Other varieties of vinegar are produced from beetroot, tarragon and alcoholic spirits. In vinegar the intoxicating factor is destroyed by the microbial process of oxidation hence it becomes permissible. Islam permits any variety of vinegar to be used as a condiment or preservative. (Muslim Food Guide - Page A26/27)
And Allah knows Best
Wa Alaykumussalaam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
http://www.foodguide.org.uk