The X post by Valerie Anne Smith discusses the use of L-Cysteine, an amino acid derived from human hair, as an FDA-approved additive in commercial bread products in the United States.
HUMAN HAIR…The Shocking Food Additive In Commercial Bread Products.
— Valerie Anne Smith (@ValerieAnne1970) July 19, 2025
The Ingredient, L-Cysteine, Is Derived From Human Hair Cuttings & Is An 'FDA Approved' Additive.
Shipped From Chinese Barbershops & Hair Salons.
Human Hair Is The Cheapest, But Duck Feathers Are Also Used.… pic.twitter.com/wvTCmWpJ1S
The post highlights that human hair, primarily sourced from Chinese barbershops and hair salons, is the cheapest and most abundant source of L-Cysteine due to its 14% content of this amino acid. The process involves hydrolysis, where hair is boiled in hydrochloric acid and then electrolyzed. Duck feathers and hog hair are also used, but human hair is preferred for cost reasons.
The FDA allows this under Title 21 CFR 184.1271, despite potential contamination concerns, whereas the European Union bans it. The post raises public health and ethical concerns, suggesting consumers avoid commercial baked goods and read labels to steer clear of L-Cysteine, especially in products from major chains like Lender’s, Einstein Bros., and fast-food restaurants. It also provides links to further reading on L-Cysteine extraction and its use in food production.