Is e1126 vegan?

E1126 is the E-number for asparaginase, an enzyme utilized as a food processing aid. It is produced industrially through the controlled fermentation of microorganisms, typically non-pathogenic fungal strains like Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus oryzae, as well as certain bacterial strains. In food manufacturing, asparaginase converts the free amino acid L-asparagine into aspartic acid prior to heating. This reaction reduces the formation of acrylamide during high-temperature baking or frying. It is most commonly applied in commercially prepared baked goods, crackers, breakfast cereals, potato crisps, and toasted grain products.

E1126 is classified as vegan because its origin is microbial rather than animal. The manufacturing process relies on cultivating fungal or bacterial cultures in closed fermentation tanks using growth media formulated with plant starches, sugars, and inorganic mineral salts. Because animal tissues, animal byproducts, and animal-derived processing aids are not used to cultivate, harvest, or purify the enzyme, E1126 is suitable for a vegan diet.