EtqaE920 L-cysteine
MashboohIs E920 halal? The Etqa database classifies E920, L-cysteine, as mashbooh, which means doubtful.
Reason
L-cysteine (E920) is classified as Mashbooh due to conflicting Islamic scholarly opinions and undisclosed sources.
About E920
- Number range
- E900–E999: glazing agents, gases and sweeteners
- Origin
- L-cysteine can be derived from multiple sources: (1) Animal sources including human hair, duck feathers, and pig bristles, (2) Microbial fermentation using specific bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli DSM 34232, or (3) Synthetic chemical production. The cheapest industrial source is human hair, though companies often do not disclose the specific source on product labels. The oxidized form L-cystine contains two L-cysteine molecules linked by a disulfide bond.
- Used in
- Baked goods
- Bread and dough products
- Flavored foods
- Nutritional supplements
- Also called
- L-cysteine hydrochloride; L-2-Amino-3-mercaptopropionic acid; L-Cys; (R)-2-Amino-3-mercaptopropanoic acid; (2R)-2-amino-3-sulfanylpropanoic acid; (2R)-2-amino-3-mercaptopropanoic acid
What this page is. The classification, the reason, the origin and the food uses are quoted from the Etqa ingredient database as of 2 October 2026. The name of the additive, its other names and forms follow the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy. This is information, not a halal certificate and not a fatwa. An ingredient list rarely says where an additive comes from: look for a halal certification mark or ask the manufacturer.
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