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Gruene Biotechnologie Independent explanations: genetic engineering, plants and food Check a label

What is E 322?

Soya lecithin granules in a jar
Soya lecithin granules in a jar Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

E 322 is the E number of Lecithins. Emulsifiers that bind fat and water. They are mostly obtained from soya, sunflower or rapeseed, more rarely from egg yolk, and are found in chocolate, margarine and baked goods.

Where is E 322 most commonly used?

Lecithin is most often found in chocolate, margarine and baked goods. There it helps fat and water combine and keeps chocolate flowing well.

What is E 322 used for?

E 322 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as emulsifier, antioxidant.

  • Emulsifier: Emulsifiers combine ingredients that would not otherwise mix, such as oil and water, and keep the mixture stable.
  • Antioxidant: Antioxidants protect against oxidation, which for example turns fats rancid or changes colours.

Which foods may contain E 322?

According to the European Commission's database, E 322 may be used in 79 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

  • Dairy products and analogues
  • Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
  • Edible ices
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Confectionery
  • Cereals and cereal products
  • Bakery wares
  • Meat
  • Fish and fisheries products
  • Eggs and egg products
  • Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
  • Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
  • Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
  • Beverages
  • Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
  • Desserts
  • Food supplements
  • Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 322 vegan?

Vegan depending on origin: may come from plant or animal raw materials. The label usually does not say which.

Is E 322 linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be obtained from plants for which genetically modified varieties exist, such as soya, maize, rapeseed or sugar beet. If the substance comes from a GM plant, this must be stated on the label in the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003).

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 322 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Emulsifier: E 322" or "Emulsifier: Lecithins".

Sources