Is Monosodium Glutamate Safe?
Monosodium Glutamate is the additive E621 — MSG — a flavour enhancer produced by fermenting plant sugars. Vegan, halal and judged safe by every major regulator, despite decades of myth.
Is Monosodium Glutamate safe to eat?
E621 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E621.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Monosodium Glutamate?
E621 is the E-number for monosodium glutamate, one of the flavour enhancers group of food additives (E600–E699). Additives in this group boost the existing savoury flavour of foods. Produced by bacterial fermentation of plant sugars such as molasses or corn. The 'Chinese restaurant syndrome' scare began with a single 1968 letter to a medical journal. Decades of controlled studies have failed to reproduce it: EFSA, the FDA and WHO all judge MSG safe, and glutamate occurs naturally in tomatoes, parmesan and breast milk. Like every E-number, E621 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E621 in detail below.
What foods contain Monosodium Glutamate?
E621 (Monosodium Glutamate) is typically found in:
- Crisps and savoury snacks
- Instant noodles
- Stock cubes
- Chinese and East Asian cooking
- Ready meals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monosodium Glutamate bad for you?
Yes. E621 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Monosodium Glutamate vegan?
E621 is vegan. Produced by bacterial fermentation of plant sugars such as molasses or corn, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Monosodium Glutamate halal?
E621 is halal. Produced by bacterial fermentation of plant sugars such as molasses or corn, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E621 (Monosodium Glutamate) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).