Lecithins
E322
E322, lecithins, lecithin, phosphatides, phospholipids, lecitina, lecitinas, lécithine, soy lecithin, egg lecithin, sunflower lecithin, sunflower lecithins, rapeseed lecithin
What it is
Lecithins are mixtures rich in phospholipids that help oil and water stay mixed. Food lecithins can be obtained from plant or animal sources.
Why BOTIA flags it
Lecithins make oil and water mix, which is why they are used in chocolate, margarine and baked goods. They can come from soy, sunflower or egg, and traces of protein from the source can remain — which is why in the EU, if they come from soy or egg, that source must be declared. When the label only says “lecithins” and does not declare soy or egg, the source is not identified: it may be sunflower or another source not included among the EU allergens requiring mandatory declaration.
BOTIA CAN
- Detect E322, lecithin, lecithins and common source-specific declarations such as soy, sunflower or egg lecithin.
- Explain why residual source proteins matter and identify soy or egg when the EU allergen declaration reveals the source.
BOTIA CANNOT
- Determine the exact source when the label only says “lecithins” and no source is otherwise declared.
- Determine the amount of residual source protein or the quantity of lecithin from the ingredient list alone.