E920 — L-cysteine

Needs verification

E920 (L-cysteine) needs verification. A dough conditioner that softens bread.

Why it needs verification

It has historically been produced from feathers, hair or bristles, as well as synthetically — the source is not declared.

Where you meet it

Packaged bread, buns, bakery improvers.

What to do in the shop

Look for a product that names the source, says plant-based or vegan, or carries a halal certificate. If nothing on the packet settles it, the manufacturer can tell you, and their answer is the only thing that turns E920 from a question into an answer.

A status here describes the additive in general — a specific product can be different. The same number can be made from plant or animal material depending on the manufacturer, and the label does not say which.

Questions people ask

Is E920 halal?

E920 (L-cysteine) needs verification. It has historically been produced from feathers, hair or bristles, as well as synthetically — the source is not declared.

How do I know if the E920 in a product is halal?

Only the manufacturer can tell you which source they used, unless the packet says plant-based, vegan, or carries a halal certificate.

Related additives

E921 — L-cystine · Needs verification
E913 — Lanolin · Needs verification
E904 — Shellac · Needs verification

See all E-numbers →

Check a product, not just a number

An additive's status describes the additive in general. What matters is the whole ingredient list on the packet in your hand.

This is information, not a fatwa. These statuses combine published scholarly positions with ingredient analysis, and they can be incomplete or out of date. For anything that matters, confirm with the manufacturer and with a qualified authority.