Is L-Cysteine Halal? Is E920 & L-Cysteine Same? Is 920 Vegetarian?

In the modern food industry, numerous additives and ingredients are used to enhance texture, flavour, and shelf life. One such ingredient is L-Cysteine, an amino acid commonly added to baked goods, snack foods, and even some baby formulas. While it plays a significant role in improving the quality of various products, many consumers, especially those following Islamic dietary guidelines, may not be aware of its sources and the potential concerns related to its consumption. In this blog post, we will dive into the uses of L-Cysteine in the food industry, the Islamic rulings surrounding its permissibility, and how tools like the Mustakshif Explore Halal App can help consumers make informed decisions.

What is L-Cysteine and How is it Used in Food?

L-Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid that acts as a dough conditioner in the baking industry. It speeds up the mixing process, reduces dough shrinkage (particularly for pizza crusts), and helps dough pass more easily through processing equipment. It's widely used in products such as bagels, croissants, pita bread, crackers, and even some cake donuts.

Historically, the most common source of industrial-scale L-Cysteine was human hair, particularly from Chinese barbershops. Today, however, around 80% of L-Cysteine is derived from duck feathers, though other sources include cow horns, chicken feathers, and even synthetic processes. The versatility of L-Cysteine makes it an essential ingredient in numerous food products, but it also raises important concerns for consumers, particularly those adhering to halal dietary practices.

Halal Ruling on L-Cysteine & E920

According to a fatwa (Islamic ruling) from Mustakshif Shariah Board , the permissibility of consuming L-Cysteine depends largely on its source. Let's break it down:

1. L-Cysteine Derived from Human Hair: It is impermissible (haram) to consume L-Cysteine sourced from human hair. This is because Islam holds the human body in reverence, and consuming any product derived from human remains goes against this principle
2. L-Cysteine from Pig Bristles or Pig Extracts: Similarly, L-Cysteine derived from pigs is also impermissible. Pigs are considered impure in Islam, and consuming any part of them is prohibited.
3. L-Cysteine from Other Animals: L-Cysteine sourced from animals other than pigs is permissible as long as it is not derived from a source that is impure. For example, feathers or hair from animals that were not slaughtered according to Islamic law are still permissible because the hair or feathers do not have life in them.
4. Synthetic L-Cysteine (E920): If L-Cysteine is produced synthetically (using biochemical processes or fermentation methods), it is considered halal since it is not derived from any animal or impure source.

These rulings are crucial for Muslims who wish to ensure that their food is compliant with Islamic dietary laws. However, identifying the source of L-Cysteine in products can be challenging, especially since many manufacturers do not disclose the specific source of the ingredient.

The Role of Mustakshif Explore Halal App

For many Muslims, understanding the source of ingredients like L-Cysteine is not always straightforward. Many food products, especially those labelled as “suitable for vegetarians,” may contain L-Cysteine derived from animal sources, such as duck feathers or even human hair. To address this issue, tools like the Mustakshif Explore Halal App have become incredibly helpful.

The Mustakshif Explore Halal App allows consumers to scan the barcode of a product and instantly get information on its halal status, including the ingredients and their sources. This can be especially useful when shopping for processed foods that may contain L-Cysteine or other potentially questionable ingredients. By providing this information, the app empowers Muslims to make informed choices about what they eat and avoid products that may contain haram ingredients.

Vegetarians Beware: L-Cysteine and Its Use in "Vegetarian" Products

One of the common misunderstandings in the food industry is the labelling of products as "suitable for vegetarians," even when they contain animal-derived L-Cysteine. Since L-Cysteine is often sourced from duck feathers or human hair, even products marked as vegetarian can sometimes contain this amino acid. This highlights the importance of vigilance when it comes to ingredient sourcing.

Consumers who strictly follow a vegetarian diet for ethical or religious reasons should be cautious and always verify the ingredients, especially when a product claims to be suitable for vegetarians. Checking labels and using apps like Mustakshif can help ensure that the product is truly free of animal-derived ingredients.

Conclusion

L-Cysteine is a common food additive used in the production of a wide variety of products, from baked goods to baby formulas. However, its permissibility in Islam is highly dependent on its source. While synthetic L-Cysteine and that derived from non-pig animals are generally considered halal, L-Cysteine from human hair or pig-based products is impermissible.

For Muslims who are keen on adhering to halal dietary laws, it’s essential to be aware of where ingredients like L-Cysteine come from. Tools like the Mustakshif Explore Halal App provide a valuable resource for identifying the halal status of food products, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices. Whether you're concerned about the halal status of L-Cysteine or the suitability of vegetarian products, always check the source and verify through trusted apps to ensure your food choices align with your values.