What is E621?
E621 is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) — MSG — a flavour enhancer produced by fermenting plant sugars. Vegan, halal and judged safe by every major regulator, despite decades of myth.
What is E621 (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.
Where is E621 found?
E621 is typically used in crisps, instant noodles, soups, stock cubes, savoury snacks and ready meals. You'll find it listed in the ingredients either by its E-number (E621) or by its full name, monosodium glutamate. Common foods that may contain E621 include:
- Crisps and savoury snacks
- Instant noodles
- Stock cubes
- Chinese and East Asian cooking
- Ready meals
Full guide: foods containing E621 and how to spot it on labels →
E621 is often searched by its common name — see also: Is Monosodium Glutamate safe? · Is MSG safe?
Is E621 safe?
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
Is E621 vegan?
E621 is vegan. Produced by bacterial fermentation of plant sugars such as molasses or corn, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Full vegan status guide for E621 →Is E621 halal?
E621 is halal. Produced by bacterial fermentation of plant sugars such as molasses or corn, with no haram source involved.
Full halal status guide for E621 →Frequently Asked Questions
What is E621 in food?
E621 is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) — MSG — a flavour enhancer produced by fermenting plant sugars. Vegan, halal and judged safe by every major regulator, despite decades of myth.
Is E621 safe to eat?
Yes. E621 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is E621 vegan?
E621 is vegan. Produced by bacterial fermentation of plant sugars such as molasses or corn, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is E621 halal?
E621 is halal. Produced by bacterial fermentation of plant sugars such as molasses or corn, with no haram source involved.
Also check: is this ingredient safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · check the calorie content of foods containing this
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).