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E322 — Lecithins

Why it’s used

An emulsifier that helps blend fat- and water-based ingredients (like oil and water) into a stable mixture; also used as an antioxidant, stabilizer, or release agent. Common in chocolate, baked goods, margarine, and packaged snack foods.

Other names

Soy lecithin, Sunflower lecithin, Phosphatides

Diet flags

Vegan, unclearVegetarian, passes

Allergen info

Allergen associations for this specific additive, sourced and dated:

Often derived from soy

Commercial food-grade lecithin is typically produced from soya bean oil; EFSA's re-evaluation states production is based mainly on soya bean oil, with cottonseed, corn, sunflower, rapeseed, egg, and bovine brain as minor alternative sources. Source (2026-07-25)

Often derived from eggs

Lecithin can also be sourced from egg yolk rather than soy, though soybean oil is the dominant commercial origin and egg-derived lecithin is a minor share of production. Source (2026-07-25)

Regulatory status

USA — Allowed

Affirmed GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1400 for lecithin solvent-extracted from soy, safflower, or corn oil, usable with no limitation other than good manufacturing practice; other plant sources (e.g., sunflower) have separately received FDA GRAS recognition via notification. Source (2026-07-22)

EU — Allowed

Authorised as E322 under Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, generally at quantum satis levels; EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation concluded there was no need for a numerical ADI and no safety concern for the general population from reported uses. Source (2026-07-22)

Safety review

  • GRN 939 — FDA has no questions
  • GRN 1267 — FDA has no questions

A GRAS notice status is FDA’s response to a company’s own self-determination that an ingredient is safe — not an independent FDA safety review.

Matched to FDA’s record for “Sunflower lecithin”. GRAS Notice Inventory (checked 2026-08-01)

Found in these products

15 products in our database contain E322.

Jaffa Cakes

Tower Gate

Vegan, failsGluten-Free, failsKeto, fails

Dark Chocolate

Cadbury Bournville

Vegan, failsGluten-Free, passesKeto, fails

Granola Bar

Soft & Chewy

Vegan, failsGluten-Free, failsKeto, fails
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