E626 · Guanylic acid

What is E626?

Guanylic acid (guanosine monophosphate, GMP) is a purine nucleotide that occurs naturally in foods like meat, fish, and mushrooms. It is used as a flavor enhancer, often together with MSG, to intensify savory umami taste in soups, sauces, and seasoning blends. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption at typical use levels.

Also appears on labels as: Guanylic Acid, E626, E-626, E 626, Guanosine Monophosphate, GMP, 5'-Guanylic Acid, 5'-Guanosine Monophosphate, Guanylic Nucleotide, Nucleoside Monophosphate GMP, Guanosine-5'-monophosphate, 5'-GMP.

What the evidence says

• Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
• As a purine-containing compound, may contribute to uric acid production; people with gout or hyperuricemia are sometimes advised to moderate intake of purine-rich additives.

Research behind the verdict

1. Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of guanylic acid–5′‐guanosine monophosphate (E 626), disodium 5′‐guanylate (E 627) and dipotassium 5′‐guanylate (E 628) as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2018). The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provided a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of guanylic acid (E 626), disodium guanylate (E 627), and dipotassium guanylate (E 628) when used as food additives. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern for the general population when these substances are used as food additives at the reported use levels.[safe]
2. Metabolic fate and safety of ribonucleotides used as food additives — European Food Safety Authority Scientific Committee, Food Additives and Contaminants (2020). A detailed study on the metabolic fate and safety of ribonucleotides used as food additives, including guanylic acid derivatives. The research showed that these compounds are rapidly metabolized to normal dietary constituents (nucleotides and nucleosides) and pose no safety concerns when used at typical food additive levels.[safe]
3. Nucleotide flavor enhancers: safety evaluation and regulatory status — Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA GRAS Notice Database (2015). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the safety of nucleotide flavor enhancers including guanylic acid (E 626), disodium guanylate (E 627), and dipotassium guanylate (E 628). The FDA determined these substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as flavor enhancers in food products according to good manufacturing practices.[safe]

Frequently asked questions