E 621 Monosodium glutamate

What is E 621?

E 621 is the E number of Monosodium glutamate. Sodium salt of glutamic acid, known as MSG. It is produced by fermentation, for example from sugar cane or starch, and enhances the savoury taste of soups, seasonings, snacks and ready meals.

Where is E 621 most commonly used?

Glutamate is especially common in seasonings, instant soups, stock cubes and crisps. It is also often used in ready meals and in Asian cooking.

What is E 621 used for?

E 621 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as flavour enhancer.

• Flavour enhancer: Flavour enhancers enhance the existing taste or odour of a food.

Which foods may contain E 621?

According to the European Commission's database, E 621 may be used in 68 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Fats and oils and fat and oil emulsions
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Eggs and egg products
• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 621 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 621 linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be obtained from plants for which genetically modified varieties exist, such as soya, maize, rapeseed or sugar beet. If the substance comes from a GM plant, this must be stated on the label in the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003).

Genetic engineering: May be produced with microorganisms that can be genetically modified. If a substance is only produced with the help of genetically modified microorganisms, EU law does not require it to be labelled.

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 621 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Flavour enhancer: E 621" or "Flavour enhancer: Monosodium glutamate".