E621 · Monosodium glutamate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Monosodium glutamate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E621?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid, used as a flavor enhancer to add a savory umami taste to soups, snacks, seasonings, and processed foods. Decades of research by EFSA and the FDA have found it safe for the general population at typical intake levels. A small subset of people report short-term symptoms like headache or flushing after eating large amounts, though controlled trials have not reliably reproduced this reaction.
Also appears on labels as: Monosodium glutamate, MSG, E621, E 621, E-621, INS 621, Sodium glutamate, Sodium salt of glutamic acid, Glutamate monosodium, Ajinomoto, Flavour enhancer 621, Food additive E621.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
- A minority of individuals report transient symptoms (headache, flushing, sweating) after consuming large amounts, sometimes called 'MSG symptom complex,' though evidence for a consistent causal effect is weak.
- Contributes to overall sodium intake, relevant for people managing blood pressure.
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]
- Analysis of adverse reactions to monosodium glutamate (MSG) — Geha RS, Beiser A, Ren C, Patterson R, Greenberger PA, Grammer LC, Ditto AM, Harris KE, Shaughnessy MA, Yarnold PR, Corren J, Saxon A, Journal of Nutrition (2000). A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-challenge evaluation of reported reactions to monosodium glutamate (MSG). The study found that large doses of MSG given without food may elicit more symptoms than placebo in individuals who believe that they react adversely to MSG. However, the frequency of the responses was low and the responses were inconsistent and were not reproducible.[safe_in_moderation]
- 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]
- Monosodium glutamate: a comprehensive review of safety data — Walker R, Lupien JR, Food and Chemical Toxicology (2000). A comprehensive review of the safety data on monosodium glutamate (MSG) conducted for regulatory agencies worldwide. The review examined toxicological studies, epidemiological data, and reported adverse reactions. The authors concluded that MSG is safe for the general population when consumed at typical dietary levels, with no evidence of serious adverse effects.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E621 safe?
Our overall verdict for E621 (Monosodium glutamate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E621 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Monosodium glutamate — 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 E621 and why is it used?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid, used as a flavor enhancer to add a savory umami taste to soups, snacks, seasonings, and processed foods. Decades of research by EFSA and the FDA have found it safe for the general population at typical intake levels. A small subset of people report short-term symptoms like headache or flushing after eating large amounts, though controlled trials have not reliably reproduced this reaction.
Does E621 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Monosodium glutamate, though some people report sensitivity (Self-reported MSG sensitivity in some individuals.).
Watch E621
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Monosodium glutamate changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
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.