What is the status of yeast extract and L cysteine hydrochloride, especially in vegetarian products?

Yeast extract is permissible.

“Yeast extract“

Yeast extract is the common name for yeast autolysates, that is, concentrations of yeast cells that are allowed to die and break up, so that the yeasts’ digestive enzymes break their proteins down into simpler compounds.

Yeast autolysates are used in Vegemite, Marmite (and now Bovril), and Cenovis, spreads that are popular in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland respectively. Autolyzed yeast extract is also the primary source of monosodium glutamate for the food industry.

Yeast extract is not a natural source of vitamin B12, although many brands are fortified with B12. Those who seek to use such products as a main dietry B12 source (for example, vegans) should check the manufacturers nutritional information labelling.”

L-cysteine is permissible if it is “suitable for vegetairans”, from chicken or duck feathers. It would be impermissible if it is from human hair.

A product which is ‘suitable for vegetarians’ does not necessarily make it suitable for a Muslim diet, though it is quite likely that it is. There are two issues which need to be understood:
the use of Animal Derivatives?
Preservatives like E471, E472, E476 and other such constituents can be from a vegetarian, synthetic or animal source. So a ‘suitable for vegetarians’ emblem would ensure that these ingredients are suitable for Muslims since they can not be from any animal source. So, in most cases there is usually not anything to worry about.

The use of Alcohol as an ingredient?
A ‘suitable for vegetarians’ product could have alcohol added to it but I have yet to find a bread product which contains added alcohol. Nevertheless, be careful with confectionary especially cakes, puddings etc. If alcohol is added then these would be declared in the ingredients panel in most cases.

Conclusion

So, to conclude a product which is ‘suitable for vegetarians’ should be free of animal sources as a rule, so only the alcohol content need be checked.

On the other hand if a product does not have the ‘Suitable for Vegetarians’ emblem, this does not automatically disqualify it for Muslim consumption. Ingredients like fish, and even battery eggs (according the Vegetarian Society, battery eggs are unsuitable) may make the product unsuitable for a vegetarian diet but of course we know that these are suitable for Muslims. We can not ascertain whether a product is Haraam or Halaal until these issues have been clarified.

Please can you clarify what particular information you require about emulsifiers so that I may direct you correctly?

If you need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us again

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(Mufti) Abdullah Patel
Halal Food Guide