Monosodium Glutamate
Also known as: E621, monosodium l-glutamate, Sodium glutamate, L-Glutamic acid‚ monosodium salt, Glutamate
FDA classifies MSG as GRAS and EFSA confirms safety, but a small subset of sensitive individuals report transient symptoms (headache, flushing) at >3g without food. EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation reduced the group ADI for glutamic acid and glutamates to 30 mg/kg bw/day, noting some EU consumers exceed it.
What it is
Monosodium glutamate (MSG, E621) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a non-essential amino acid.
Flavor enhancer providing umami taste.
Why it's flagged
- Transient symptoms (headache, flushing) reported in sensitive individuals at >3 g without food
- EFSA reduced group ADI to 30 mg/kg bw/day in 2017; some EU consumers exceed it
What regulators actually say
"FDA considers the addition of MSG to foods to be 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS)."
"The Panel derived a group ADI of 30 mg/kg bw per day, expressed as glutamic acid, for glutamic acid and glutamates (E 620–625)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS (21 CFR 182.1)
European Union — EFSA
Authorised; group ADI 30 mg/kg bw/day (2017)
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