Lysozyme
What is Lysozyme?
Lysozyme is an enzyme that acts as a natural antimicrobial agent. It is typically derived from egg white (hen's egg) or sometimes from milk. It is extracted and purified for use in food production.
Is Lysozyme vegan?
No. Lysozyme is animal-derived, so it is not vegan.
Is Lysozyme a major allergen?
Lysozyme derived from egg white is derived from eggs, which is one of the 14 major allergens that must be declared on UK food labels.
What is Lysozyme used for?
Lysozyme is added to foods for its preservative qualities, helping to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, particularly in cheese and baked goods.
Is Lysozyme safe?
Lysozyme is an authorised food additive in Great Britain, listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Lysozyme is added to foods for its preservative qualities, helping to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, particularly in cheese and baked goods. It can also contribute to texture and shelf-life extension in products like pasta and salad dressings.
Health notes
Lysozyme is an authorised food additive in Great Britain, listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. European food safety authorities (EFSA) have evaluated lysozyme, and JECFA has also evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake. At typical levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects. There are no widespread controversies regarding its use.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 1.7.2 ripened cheese | No numerical limit listed |
| 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) | No numerical limit listed |
| 14.2.1 beer and malt beverages | No numerical limit listed |
| 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine | No numerical limit listed |
| 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 % | No numerical limit listed |
Allergen info
Lysozyme derived from egg white is derived from eggs, which is one of the 14 major allergens that must be declared on UK food labels. If derived from milk, it is also derived from milk, another major allergen.
Foods that contain Lysozyme
Compare products →
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.