L-cysteine hydrochloride is an ingredient used in baking. Its purpose is to make the dough less viscous and thus easier to work it. This helps the dough rise during baking.

L-cysteine is a safe ingredient. The potential problem with this ingredient is its source. The main sources of L-cysteine are goose and duck feathers. However, L-cysteine can also be derived from human hair or swine bristles and hooves. Furthermore, it can also be of vegetarian source (derived through a fermentation process), although this is not a process commonly carried out in the industry.

According to the Baking Association of Canada, L-cysteine is NOT sourced from human hair or swine bristles and hooves in Canada. Afterwards, L-cysteine derived from goose or duck feathers is halal. As such, we can conclude that the L-cysteine used in Canada is halal.

Note: This article is primarily referenced from the Baking Association of Canada’s article entitled L-Cysteine which can be found here