Glutamic Acid
Also known as: E620, L-Glutamic acid
L-glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid that is abundant in dietary protein. As an additive (E620), it is approved by FDA (GRAS) and EFSA.
What it is
Glutamic acid (E620), the parent compound of the umami taste; the L-isomer is a non-essential amino acid and abundant in protein-containing foods.
Flavor enhancer providing umami taste.
Why it's flagged
- potential exceedance of ADI in some populations (children)
- rare individual sensitivity reports
What regulators actually say
"Glutamic acid is generally recognized as safe when used as an ingredient in food."
"A group ADI of 30 mg/kg bw per day expressed as glutamic acid was established for glutamic acid (E 620) and its salts (E 621-625). Exposure exceeded the proposed ADI in some population groups."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS under 21 CFR 182.1045 (glutamic acid).
European Union — EFSA
Approved E620 with Group ADI 30 mg/kg bw/day; intake may exceed ADI in some groups.
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