Is soy lecithin halal?
The question, as received
I had a question about the term soya lechiten if it haram or not?
The answer
Lecithins are oily substances that occur naturally in plants (soybeans) and animals (egg yolks).
Explanation
Soy lecithin (E322) is extracted from soybeans either mechanically or chemically. It’s actually a byproduct of the soybean oil production.Some people use it as a supplement because it’s high choline content. Choline is a micronutrient that is good for heart health and brain development.But that’s not the reason soy lecithin is used as an additive in foods. It possesses emulsification properties. This means it can keep a candy bar “together” by making sure that the cocoa and the cocoa butter don’t separate. It is also used in bakery items to keep the dough from sticking and to improve its ability to rise.i
Therefore, if lecithin is from egg yolks or plant sources, it will be permissible. The ruling on lecithin from animal sources would depend on which parts it is extracted from, as well as the manner of slaughter.
As soya lecithin is derived from soya, which is a vegetable source, so that will be permissible.ii
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Faraz Adam
References
ihttp://blog.fooducate.com/2009/07/07/what-is-soy-lecithin-and-why-is-it-found-in-so-many-products/
iiوفي رد المحتار
( فيفهم منه حكم النبات ) وهو الإباحة على المختار ج 6 ص 460 أيج ايم سعيد
Based on the Hanafi school and on the question as it was asked. Another mufti may reach a different conclusion. Read the disclaimer.