Is Cysteine Safe? E920 Explained
Cysteine is E920 (L-Cysteine) — L-cysteine — an amino acid used in bread making; traditionally sourced from human hair or duck/chicken feathers, now also made synthetically.
What is Cysteine?
E920 is L-Cysteine, a food additive classified as a flour treatment agent that improve flour and dough properties. L-cysteine — an amino acid used in bread making; traditionally sourced from human hair or duck/chicken feathers, now also made synthetically. You'll find it in bread, pasta, pizza bases and many other packaged foods. L-Cysteine is one of the better-known food additives and appears regularly in label-reading guides and dietary discussions. Like every E-number, E920 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Is Cysteine bad for you?
EFSA has reviewed E920 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links L-Cysteine to harm at normal dietary intakes.
EFSA opinion: L-Cysteine — status Safe.
Foods containing Cysteine
- bread
- pasta
- pizza bases
- bakery products
- rolls
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Related to Cysteine
Products relevant to Cysteine and your dietary choices
Additive-Free Cookbook
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Whole Food Cooking Guide
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Food Intolerance Test Kit
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Cysteine FAQs
Is Cysteine bad for you?
EFSA has reviewed E920 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links L-Cysteine to harm at normal dietary intakes.
Is Cysteine vegan?
E920 (L-Cysteine) may or may not be vegan — it depends on the source used by the manufacturer.
Is Cysteine halal?
E920 (L-Cysteine) is MASHBOOH — its halal status is doubtful and depends on the source used.
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA