Is There Human Hair in Bread? Yes But Here’s How to Avoid Eating It

Bread is a staple food in many cultures around the world and has been for centuries. It’s such a common food that many of us don’t even think twice about it. Recently, there have been rumors circulating that commercial bread products contain human hair as a preservative. While this may sound strange, it is actually true that commercially produced bread can contain human hair, or more specifically, an amino acid called L-cysteine that is derived from human hair.

More Details about Why Human Hair is in Bread

So, why is human hair being added to bread? It all comes down to the fact that commercial bread products need to have a longer shelf life. L-cysteine is a common additive used to extend the shelf life of foods, and it is most commonly synthesized from human hair. The hair is dissolved in acid, and the L-cysteine is isolated, and then shipped off to commercial bread producers.

It’s important to note that this practice is quite common, and is actually regulated by the FDA. Still, the idea that human hair is being added to our food can be a bit unsettling. It’s important to remember that L-cysteine is just an amino acid, and it is no different from any other ingredient added to processed foods.

The FDA requires that the hair used is free of contaminants and is treated to meet safety standards. Furthermore, the amount of L-cysteine that is added to bread is quite low, so it’s not something to worry about if you’re worried about the health implications.

How to Avoid Eating Bread with Human Hair Additives

If you’re concerned about what’s in your food, the best way to ensure that you know exactly what’s in it is to buy your bread from a local bakery. These bakeries are not likely to use L-cysteine, as it is not an additive used in flour. Remember human hair is added to bread as a preservative, meaning it’s most likely to found in commercially produced bread you find on store shelfs.