What is E920? L-Cysteine Explained
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E920 is 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 E920 (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. Checking for a pet? Find out if foods containing this ingredient are safe for cats.
Where is E920 found?
E920 (L-Cysteine) is found in bread, pasta, pizza bases, bakery products, rolls.
- bread
- pasta
- pizza bases
- bakery products
- rolls
Also known as: Cysteine · L Cysteine
Is E920 safe?
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.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E920. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.
Related to E920 (L-Cysteine)
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E920 FAQs
What is E920 in food?
E920 is L-Cysteine — L-cysteine — an amino acid used in bread making; traditionally sourced from human hair or duck/chicken feathers, now also made synthetically.
Is E920 safe to eat?
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 E920 vegan?
E920 (L-Cysteine) may or may not be vegan — it depends on the source used by the manufacturer.
Is E920 halal?
E920 (L-Cysteine) is MASHBOOH — its halal status is doubtful and depends on the source used.
Related Flour Treatment Agents additives
Also check: safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · calorie checker · medication interactions
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA