E920
surface coating agents, gases, sweetenersL-Cysteine Hydrochloride
What should I do with this product?
Safe to buy. This additive is permissible under Islamic dietary law.
See which foods use it →Avoid this code. Check halal alternatives or scan a substitute product.
See Alternatives below →About E920
Miscellaneous - compounds used to treat flour l-cysteine from human hair is haram. L-cysteine from chicken feathers is not Halal. L-cysteine from fermentation and synthetic source is Halal.
Verification Required
This additive's halal status depends on its source. Check the product label for a halal certification mark, or contact the manufacturer directly.
What is E920 made from?
- human hair (haraam)
- duck/chicken feathers (haraam - not zabiha)
- synthetic (halal)
- bacterial fermentation (halal)
Foods that commonly contain E920
Always check the ingredient label on the specific product - manufacturers may change formulations.
Scholarly Notes
One of the most controversial additives. L-Cysteine sourced from human hair or poultry feathers is considered haraam by all major Islamic scholars. Synthetic or fermentation-derived L-Cysteine is halal. Major halal certifiers require synthetic or plant-fermented sourcing. Look for halal-certified bread or contact the manufacturer.
Halal Alternatives
These E-codes serve a similar function and are generally considered halal:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E920 (L-Cysteine Hydrochloride) halal?
E920 (L-Cysteine Hydrochloride) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent and requires verification. This additive may be derived from either halal (plant/synthetic) or haraam (animal) sources. Always check the product label or contact the manufacturer to verify the source.
What is E920 used for?
E920 is used as a flour treatment agent - improves dough extensibility in food products.
What foods contain E920?
E920 (L-Cysteine Hydrochloride) is commonly found in: commercial bread, burger buns, pizza dough, flour tortillas, crackers.
What is E920 made from?
E920 can be derived from the following sources: human hair (haraam), duck/chicken feathers (haraam - not zabiha), synthetic (halal), bacterial fermentation (halal).
What are the other names for E920?
E920 may appear on food labels as: L-Cysteine, Cysteine Hydrochloride.
surface coating agents, gases, sweeteners category - 31 E-codes total: 24 Halal, 2 Haraam, 5 Mushbooh.
Related E-Codes in surface coating agents, gases, sweeteners
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