Flavor enhancer

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Also known as: Monosodium L-glutamate, E621, CAS 142-47-2, E 621, Monosodium glutamate monohydrate, Monosodium glutamate, Glutamate (monosodium), Sodium glutamate, MSG

Monosodium glutamate (MSG, E621) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, used as a flavor enhancer (umami) in savory snacks, soups, seasonings, and processed foods; the same glutamate occurs naturally in foods such as tomatoes and cheese. The US FDA classifies added MSG as generally recognized as safe (GRAS), and it is authorized in the EU as E621.

Is Monosodium glutamate (MSG) safe? Is it banned or restricted? Below is the cited record — every claim linked to the regulator, study, or report that made it.

The charges against Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

2 findings

Exhibit 01

ReassuranceInformational

The FDA considers the addition of MSG to foods to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Although many people identify themselves as sensitive to MSG, in studies with such individuals given MSG or a placebo, scientists have not been able to consistently trigger reactions.

The U.S. FDA considers added MSG generally recognized as safe (GRAS); in controlled studies, researchers giving MSG or a placebo to self-identified MSG-sensitive individuals could not consistently trigger reactions.

Tier 1 · RegulatoryUSU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)· 2024-01-01

Exhibit 02

ContextInformational

FDA requires that foods containing added MSG list it in the ingredient panel on the packaging as monosodium glutamate. Foods with any ingredient that naturally contains MSG cannot claim "No MSG" or "No added MSG" on their packaging.

U.S. FDA labeling rules require added MSG to be declared by name ("monosodium glutamate") in a product's ingredient list; products cannot claim "No MSG" if any ingredient naturally contains it.

Tier 1 · RegulatoryUSU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)· 2024-01-01

Food Court reports publicly available findings from regulatory bodies, peer-reviewed research, and journalism. We cite every claim. We are not your doctor — we are a search engine for what's known about your food. Follow the links to the original sources.