Additives
Glutamic Acid (E620): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Limited risk
Flavour Enhancer · Flavour enhancer
Naturally occurring amino acid and the base form of glutamate. Forms the basis of umami taste. Generally safe but same precautions as MSG apply in sensitive individuals.
- Category
- Flavour Enhancer — Flavour enhancer
- Typically used in
- Savoury snacks, soups, sauces
- Regulatory status
- Approved EU/USA/UK
- Concerns flagged
-
Migraine triggerNeurotoxicity concern
Sources
Where this comes from
- EFSA (2017) — Re-evaluation of glutamic acid -E 620-, sodium glutamate -E 621-, potassium glutamate -E 622-, calcium glutamate -E 623-, ammonium glutamate -E 624- and magnesium glutamate -E 625- as food additives https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4910
- EFSA (2015) — Scientific Opinion on the safety of the change in the production method of L-glutamic acid -E620-, monosodium L-glutamate -E621-, monopotassium L-glutamate -E622-, calcium di-L-glutamate -E623-, monoammonium Lglutamate -E624- and magnesium di-L-glutamate -E625- http://dx.doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.3981
Products
Products containing Glutamic Acid
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