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Monosodium Glutamate (E621) — What You Need to Know

Generally Safe(7/10)Nature-Identical
7
GENERALLY SAFE
Safety Score: 7/10

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.

Function: Flavor enhancer (umami)
30 mg
Typical daily intake

Safety Assessment

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
No ADI established — considered safe without a defined limit
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇪🇺 EU: Authorized
🇺🇸 US: Approved
🇯🇵 JP: Approved
🇦🇺 AU: Approved
🇨🇦 CA: Approved
⚠️ Key Concerns

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.

Our Assessment

Based on current evidence, Monosodium Glutamate is rated Generally Safe with a score of 7/10. This is 0.2 points below the average for flavor enhancers (7.2/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2017.

Commonly Found In

Instant noodlesPotato chipsFast foodCanned soupsFrozen mealsSeasoning blends
Example brands:
Lay'sDoritosPringlesAji-no-moto

Always check the label for E621 or 'Monosodium Glutamate'

▶Chemical Information
Formula: C5H8NNaO4
Molecular Weight: 169.11 g/mol
CAS Number: 142-47-2
INS Number: 621
Also known as: E621, INS 621, MSG, Glutamate, Ajinomoto, Vetsin

Frequently Asked Questions about Monosodium Glutamate

Monosodium Glutamate has a Safety Score of 7/10 (Generally Safe). 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.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E621
INS Number
621
Category
Flavor Enhancers
Origin
Nature-Identical
FDA Status
GRAS
EFSA Status
Authorized
ADI
No limit
Last Review
2017
Dietary Compatibility
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other flavor enhancers in the same family

Disodium InosinateDisodium GuanylateGlutamic Acid