EtqaE621 Monosodium glutamate
MashboohIs E621 halal? The Etqa database classifies E621, monosodium glutamate, as mashbooh, which means doubtful.
Reason
Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer classified as Mashbooh; while derived from plant fermentation, the Halal status depends on verifying that the bacterial culture media is free from non-halal animal derivatives.
About E621
- Number range
- E600–E699: flavour enhancers
- Origin
- Microbial fermentation of plant-based substrates such as starch, sugar beets, sugar cane, or molasses using bacterial strains like Corynebacterium glutamicum. Historically extracted from seaweed.
- Used in
- Seasonings
- Condiments
- Soups
- Broths
- Snack foods
- Processed meats
- Canned vegetables
- Frozen dinners
- Also called
- Monosodium l-glutamate; Sodium glutamate; L-Glutamic acid, monosodium salt; Glutamate; MSG Fine
Safety evaluation
European Food Safety Authority: 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 (2017).
What this page is. The classification, the reason, the origin and the food uses are quoted from the Etqa ingredient database as of 2 October 2026. The name of the additive, its other names and forms follow the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy. This is information, not a halal certificate and not a fatwa. An ingredient list rarely says where an additive comes from: look for a halal certification mark or ask the manufacturer.
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