Is L Cysteine Safe? E920 Explained
L 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 L 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 L 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 L Cysteine
- bread
- pasta
- pizza bases
- bakery products
- rolls
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L Cysteine FAQs
Is L 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 L Cysteine vegan?
E920 (L-Cysteine) may or may not be vegan — it depends on the source used by the manufacturer.
Is L Cysteine halal?
E920 (L-Cysteine) is MASHBOOH — its halal status is doubtful and depends on the source used.
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA