Lecithin is permitted with proper declaration in European Union: declare as "lecithin (E322) — source must be declared if from soy (allergen)" in the ingredient list.
Lecithin (E322) is a phospholipid emulsifier extracted from soybeans, sunflower seeds, or egg yolk. It keeps fat and water mixed — which is why it appears in chocolate, margarine, bread, and instant products — and it is also a natural source of choline. In European Union, Lecithin is regulated under FIC Regulation 1169/2011 as a food emulsifier. EU requires declaring the source of lecithin if it comes from soy or eggs (major allergens). "Soya lecithin (E322)" must be declared with soya emphasized as the allergen. Highly refined soy lecithin has a specific exemption in Annex II, but manufacturers often choose to declare anyway for safety. Sunflower lecithin: no allergen concern, declare as "sunflower lecithin (E322)".
LabelGuard scans your label for Lecithin and all its common names (Soy lecithin, Sunflower lecithin, Egg lecithin, E322) to verify correct declaration, required E-numbers, and proper functional class labeling under EU rules.
Start Your Compliance CheckLecithin (E322) is a phospholipid emulsifier extracted from soybeans, sunflower seeds, or egg yolk. It keeps fat and water mixed — which is why it appears in chocolate, margarine, bread, and instant products — and it is also a natural source of choline. It commonly appears in: Chocolate, Margarine, Bread, Instant noodles, Infant formula.
EFSA re-evaluated lecithin in 2017 and found no safety concern, with no numerical ADI considered necessary — it is one of the least controversial additives in use. Sunflower lecithin is a phospholipid, not a refined seed oil, and carries no allergen concern; the practical issue with soy or egg lecithin is allergen labeling, not toxicity.
Declare as "lecithin (E322) — source must be declared if from soy (allergen)" in the ingredient list. EU requires declaring the source of lecithin if it comes from soy or eggs (major allergens). "Soya lecithin (E322)" must be declared with soya emphasized as the allergen. Highly refined soy lecithin has a specific exemption in Annex II, but manufacturers often choose to declare anyway for safety. Sunflower lecithin: no allergen concern, declare as "sunflower lecithin (E322)".
Lecithin may appear under the following names: Soy lecithin, Sunflower lecithin, Egg lecithin, E322, Phosphatidylcholine. Common hidden sources include: Chocolate, Margarine, Bread, Instant noodles, Infant formula, Biscuits, Sauces.
Lecithin is permitted in all major markets with proper declaration.
Last updated: 2026-07-20
Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.
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