Flavour Enhancer
Also known as: flavour synergist, flavor enhancer, flavor enhancers
'Flavour enhancer' is a non-specific umbrella functional class. Specific ingredients (e.g., monosodium glutamate, ribonucleotides, yeast extract) each have their own safety profile.
What it is
Generic functional category for substances that enhance the existing taste of a food (e.g., MSG/E621, disodium inosinate/E631, disodium guanylate/E627, yeast extract).
Intensifies savory (umami) or other taste perceptions without adding their own characteristic flavor.
What regulators actually say
"FDA considers the addition of MSG to foods to be 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Each specific flavor enhancer (e.g., MSG) must be GRAS or approved as a food additive.
European Union — EFSA
Each enhancer authorized individually under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
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