Yeast Extract Powder
Yeast extract is a food ingredient with naturally occurring free glutamate, providing umami flavor similar to MSG. EFSA reviewed glutamates and set an ADI of 30 mg/kg bw/day in 2017.
What it is
Concentrated dehydrated paste/powder derived from autolyzed Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells; rich in glutamates, nucleotides, B vitamins.
Savory umami flavor enhancer; natural source of free glutamate.
Why it's flagged
- natural glutamate content
- sodium contribution
What regulators actually say
"Bakers yeast extract is the food ingredient resulting from concentration of the solubles of mechanically ruptured cells of a selected strain of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae."
"The Panel established a group ADI for glutamic acid and glutamates of 30 mg/kg bw per day, expressed as glutamic acid."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as a food ingredient/flavoring (yeast is GRAS, 21 CFR 184.1983)
European Union — EFSA
Considered a food ingredient (not an additive); glutamic acid additives reviewed in 2017
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