foodindex.co

E322I — Lecithin

Why it’s used

The non-hydrolysed form of lecithin (the EU's specific E322(i) sub-designation), used as an emulsifier to combine oil and water phases and improve texture in foods such as chocolate, baked goods, and dressings.

Other names

Soy lecithin, Sunflower lecithin, Phosphatidylcholine mixture

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

Covered under the same GRAS listing as lecithin generally, 21 CFR 184.1400 (soy, safflower, or corn oil sources), usable with no limitation other than good manufacturing practice; the FDA framework does not separately distinguish a non-hydrolysed sub-type the way EU rules do. Source (2026-07-22)

EU — Allowed

Authorised as the non-hydrolysed lecithin sub-category under E322 in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, with purity specifications in Regulation (EU) No 231/2012; covered by EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation finding no safety concern at 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

13 products in our database contain E322I.

Dark Chocolate

Cadbury Bournville

Vegan, failsGluten-Free, passesKeto, fails

Granola Bar

Soft & Chewy

Vegan, failsGluten-Free, failsKeto, fails
Spot a mistake or have an idea? .

Tell us

What’s this about?
foodindex.co

Menu

Search