E620 · Glutamic acid
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Glutamic acid yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E620?
Glutamic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many protein-rich foods, including meat, dairy, and vegetables, and is used by the body to build proteins. As a food additive, it is used as a flavor enhancer for its savory umami taste, and it is also the precursor used to manufacture monosodium glutamate (MSG). It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption.
Also appears on labels as: Glutamic Acid, L-Glutamic Acid, DL-Glutamic Acid, Glutamate, Sodium Glutamate, Monosodium Glutamate, MSG, E620, E 620, E-620, Glutamic Acid Sodium Salt, Glutamic Acid Monosodium Salt.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
- As with other glutamates, some individuals report sensitivity (e.g., headache, flushing) though controlled studies have not consistently confirmed a causal link at normal intake levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Scientific Opinion on glutamic acid and glutamates added to food — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2017). The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of glutamic acid (E 620), monosodium glutamate (E 621), monopotassium glutamate (E 622), and calcium diglutamate (E 623) when used as food additives. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when these glutamates are used as food additives at the reported use levels.[safe]
- Safety assessment of glutamic acid and its salts for use as food additives — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), WHO Technical Report Series (2019). The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) evaluated the safety of glutamic acid (E 620) and its salts including monosodium glutamate (E 621), monopotassium glutamate (E 622), and calcium diglutamate (E 623). The committee concluded that these substances are safe for use as food additives at current levels of consumption and established an ADI of not specified.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E620 safe?
Our overall verdict for E620 (Glutamic acid) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E620 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Glutamic acid — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E620 and why is it used?
Glutamic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many protein-rich foods, including meat, dairy, and vegetables, and is used by the body to build proteins. As a food additive, it is used as a flavor enhancer for its savory umami taste, and it is also the precursor used to manufacture monosodium glutamate (MSG). It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption.
Does E620 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Glutamic acid, though some people report sensitivity (Some individuals self-report sensitivity to glutamate-containing additives.).
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.