E640 · Glycine and its sodium salt
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Glycine and its sodium salt yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E640?
Glycine is the simplest amino acid, naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, dairy, and legumes, and is also produced synthetically for food use. As a food additive, glycine and its sodium salt are used as flavoring agents and flavor enhancers, contributing a mild sweetness and rounding out taste in some processed foods. It is generally recognized as safe by EFSA and the FDA at typical use levels.
Also appears on labels as: Glycine and its sodium salt, Glycine, Glycine sodium salt, Sodium glycinate, Glycine monosodium salt, Glycine sodium, Monosodium glycine, Aminoacetic acid, E640, E 640, E-640, Glycine food additive.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-additive levels.
- Synthetic glycine used as an additive is not derived from a specific animal or plant source, but if extracted from natural feedstock, origin should be checked by strict vegans.
Research behind the verdict
- Re‐evaluation of glycine (E 640) as a food additive — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), EFSA Journal (2020). The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provided a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of glycine (E 640) as a food additive. Glycine is a naturally occurring amino acid and a normal constituent of the human diet. The Panel concluded that there is no need for a numerical ADI for glycine and there is no safety concern for the general population when glycine is used as a food additive.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E640 safe?
Our overall verdict for E640 (Glycine and its sodium salt) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E640 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Glycine and its sodium salt — 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 E640 and why is it used?
Glycine is the simplest amino acid, naturally found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, dairy, and legumes, and is also produced synthetically for food use. As a food additive, glycine and its sodium salt are used as flavoring agents and flavor enhancers, contributing a mild sweetness and rounding out taste in some processed foods. It is generally recognized as safe by EFSA and the FDA at typical use levels.
Does E640 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Glycine and its sodium salt.
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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.