E630 · Inosinic acid
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Inosinic 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 E630?
Inosinic acid (inosine monophosphate, IMP) is a nucleotide found naturally in animal tissues such as fish and meat. It is used as a flavor enhancer, typically alongside MSG and guanylic acid, to intensify umami taste in soups, sauces, and snack foods. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption at typical use levels, and because most commercial IMP is derived from meat, fish, or fermentation using animal-derived nutrients, it is generally not considered vegan or vegetarian unless specifically labeled otherwise.
Also appears on labels as: Inosinic Acid, Inosinic-acid, E630, E 630, E-630, Inosine 5'-monophosphate, IMP, Inosinate, 5'-Inosinic Acid, Inosine Monophosphate, Inosine-5'-monophosphoric acid, Ribonucleotide IMP.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
- As a purine-containing compound, may raise uric acid levels; people with gout or hyperuricemia are sometimes advised to limit intake of purine-rich additives.
Research behind the verdict
- Scientific Opinion on the re‐evaluation of inosinic acid–5′‐inosine monophosphate (E 630), disodium 5′‐inosinate (E 631), dipotassium 5′‐inosinate (E 632) and calcium 5′‐inosinate (E 629, E 633) 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 inosinic acid (E 630), disodium inosinate (E 631), dipotassium inosinate (E 632), and calcium inosinate (E 629, E 633) 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]
- Metabolic fate of inosine 5′-monophosphate and related compounds in humans — Yamamoto S, Wakabayashi K, Takahashi M, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry (2017). Research on the metabolic fate of inosine 5′-monophosphate (IMP) and related inosinate compounds (E 629-E 633) in human subjects. The study showed these compounds are rapidly hydrolyzed to inosine and then to hypoxanthine, which are normal constituents of cellular metabolism. No accumulation or adverse metabolic effects were observed.[safe]
- Safety assessment of nucleotide flavor enhancers: comprehensive review — International Food Additives Council, Food and Chemical Toxicology (2019). A comprehensive safety assessment of nucleotide flavor enhancers including inosinic acid derivatives (E 629-E 633). The review examined extensive toxicological data, metabolic studies, and exposure assessments. The study concluded that these inosinate compounds are rapidly metabolized to normal dietary constituents and pose no safety concerns when used according to good manufacturing practices.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E630 safe?
Our overall verdict for E630 (Inosinic 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 E630 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Inosinic acid — vegan: no, vegetarian: no, halal: no, kosher: no, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E630 and why is it used?
Inosinic acid (inosine monophosphate, IMP) is a nucleotide found naturally in animal tissues such as fish and meat. It is used as a flavor enhancer, typically alongside MSG and guanylic acid, to intensify umami taste in soups, sauces, and snack foods. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA as safe for consumption at typical use levels, and because most commercial IMP is derived from meat, fish, or fermentation using animal-derived nutrients, it is generally not considered vegan or vegetarian unless specifically labeled otherwise.
Does E630 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Inosinic acid, though some people report sensitivity (May be derived from fish or meat sources in some formulations.).
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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.