Monosodium Glutamate (E621) — What You Need to Know
The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.
What Is Monosodium Glutamate?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid found in high concentrations in tomatoes, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and many other foods. MSG was first isolated in 1908 by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda from kombu seaweed. It is the purest expression of the fifth basic taste: umami (savory). Despite decades of controversy and the widespread belief in 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome,' extensive scientific research has consistently shown that MSG is safe for the vast majority of people.
What Is It Used For?
Enhances and intensifies the savory, umami flavor of foods without adding its own distinct taste. Used extensively in Asian cuisine, fast food, snacks, soups, and processed foods to make flavors more satisfying.
Exposure figures are population-level references, not personal limits. Actual intake varies by diet, product and jurisdiction.
Regulatory & Editorial Context
The concept of 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome' — headaches, sweating, and facial flushing supposedly caused by MSG — was introduced in a 1968 letter to the New England Journal of Medicine. However, double-blind placebo-controlled studies have consistently failed to confirm a relationship between MSG consumption and these symptoms. The FDA classifies MSG as GRAS, and EFSA has assessed it as safe at typical consumption levels. A 2017 EFSA re-evaluation did set a revised ADI of 30 mg/kg bw/day, noting that some consumers exceed this via current dietary habits, though this is a cautious precautionary measure rather than evidence of harm. MSG contains 12% sodium, significantly less than table salt (39% sodium), which is worth noting for those monitoring sodium intake.
eNumbers.org currently assigns Monosodium Glutamate an editorial context label of Generally Safe with a score of 7/10. This is 0.2 points below the database average for flavor enhancers (7.2/10). Dataset reference year: 2017.
This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E621 or 'Monosodium Glutamate'
▶Chemical Information
Primary Sources
Source review: 2026-08-08Official references relevant to this page. Check the agency record for current permitted uses, limits and jurisdiction-specific wording.
- European Commission: EU Food Additives Database ↗EU authorisations and conditions of use
- WHO / FAO JECFA: JECFA food-additives database ↗International evaluations and acceptable daily intakes
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Questions and answers on monosodium glutamate (MSG) ↗FDA regulatory and safety overview for MSG
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Food Additive Status List ↗U.S. food-ingredient regulatory references
- European Food Safety Authority: Food additives ↗EFSA food-additive safety assessment process
Frequently Asked Questions about Monosodium Glutamate
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E621
- INS Number
- 621
- Category
- Flavor Enhancers
- Origin
- Nature-Identical
- FDA Status
- GRAS
- EFSA Status
- Authorized
- ADI
- No limit
- Dataset Review
- 2017
Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.
Quick Links
Related Additives
Other flavor enhancers in the same family