Lcysteine

L-cysteine is a type of amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein. It can be naturally found in many protein-rich foods. In food production, it is often manufactured through processes involving fermentation or by extracting it from animal or plant sources.

Manufacturers use L-cysteine as a dough conditioner to improve the texture and workability of bread and other baked goods. It helps to relax the gluten, making dough easier to handle and resulting in a softer final product. It is commonly found in breads, pizza dough, and pastries.

In the United States, L-cysteine is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated L-cysteine. While L-cysteine is naturally present in many foods, the synthetic form is sometimes a subject of discussion, though typical dietary intake is not associated with adverse health effects.