E322 · Lecithin
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E322?
Lecithin is a naturally occurring fatty substance found in soy, sunflower seeds, rapeseed, and egg yolks. As a food additive it is used as an emulsifier to blend fats and water in products like margarine, mayonnaise, and chocolate. It is also a source of choline, a nutrient important for liver and brain function. Lecithin is widely regarded as safe, though soy-derived lecithin can be a concern for people with soy allergies.
Also appears on labels as: Lecithin, E322, E 322, E-322, Phosphatidylcholine, Phospholipids, Soy Lecithin, Sunflower Lecithin, Rapeseed Lecithin, Egg Lecithin, Soybean Lecithin, Vegetable Lecithin.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-additive levels.
- Soy-derived lecithin may contain trace soy proteins that can trigger reactions in people with severe soy allergy, though refined lecithin is usually very low in protein.
Frequently asked questions
Is E322 safe?
Our overall verdict for E322 (Lecithin) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E322 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Lecithin — vegan: no, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E322 and why is it used?
Lecithin is a naturally occurring fatty substance found in soy, sunflower seeds, rapeseed, and egg yolks. As a food additive it is used as an emulsifier to blend fats and water in products like margarine, mayonnaise, and chocolate. It is also a source of choline, a nutrient important for liver and brain function. Lecithin is widely regarded as safe, though soy-derived lecithin can be a concern for people with soy allergies.
Does E322 contain allergens?
Yes — known allergens associated with Lecithin: soy, egg.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.