E624 · Monoammonium glutamate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Monoammonium 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 E624?
Monoammonium glutamate is the ammonium salt of glutamic acid, used as a flavor enhancer that adds savory umami taste to savory snacks, seasonings, and processed foods. It functions similarly to MSG but uses ammonium rather than sodium as the counter-ion. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption at typical use levels, though it is less common commercially than MSG.
Also appears on labels as: E624, E 624, E-624, Monoammonium glutamate, Ammonium glutamate, Glutamic acid, ammonium salt, Ammonium salt of glutamic acid, E624 flavour enhancer, Flavour enhancer E624, Food additive E624, Monoamonio glutamatas, Amonija glutamāts.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
- Some individuals report sensitivity to glutamate additives generally.
Research behind the verdict
- Comprehensive safety assessment of glutamate salts in food applications — International Glutamate Technical Committee, Food and Chemical Toxicology (2017). A comprehensive review of the safety of various glutamate salts including monoammonium glutamate (E 624) and magnesium diglutamate (E 625) in food applications. The review examined extensive toxicological data and concluded that these glutamate salts are safe for human consumption when used according to good manufacturing practices.[safe]
- Safety evaluation of monoammonium glutamate (E 624) and magnesium diglutamate (E 625) as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), EFSA Journal (2019). The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) evaluated the safety of monoammonium glutamate (E 624) and magnesium diglutamate (E 625) when used as food additives. Based on the available toxicological data and considering that glutamic acid is a normal constituent of the human diet, the Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for these additives at current levels of use.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E624 safe?
Our overall verdict for E624 (Monoammonium 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 E624 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Monoammonium 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 E624 and why is it used?
Monoammonium glutamate is the ammonium salt of glutamic acid, used as a flavor enhancer that adds savory umami taste to savory snacks, seasonings, and processed foods. It functions similarly to MSG but uses ammonium rather than sodium as the counter-ion. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption at typical use levels, though it is less common commercially than MSG.
Does E624 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Monoammonium glutamate, though some people report sensitivity (Self-reported glutamate sensitivity in some individuals.).
Watch E624
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Monoammonium 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.