Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Flavor enhancer

Also known as Monosodium Glutamate, MSG, Sodium glutamate, Glutamic acid sodium salt, Glutamate de Sodium, Glutamate Monosodique, Glutamate Monosodique de Sodium

MUIS classifies as doubtful; SANHA and JAKIM Muzakarah Council 105 (2014) classify as halal.

Based on 3 cited authorities. Confidence: medium.

What authorities say

3 authorities on record

1says Doubtful2say Halal

Saying Doubtful1 of 3

MUIS

MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Sodium salt of glutamic acid (E620).

Saying Halal2 of 3

SANHA

Status: Halaal

JAKIM Muzakarah Council 105 (2014)

Permitted; the purified final MSG product is halal

Why this verdict

E621 is monosodium glutamate (MSG), the most widely used flavour enhancer, found in savoury snacks, instant noodles, sauces, and seasonings. SANHA classifies E621 as halal, and JAKIM permitted it in 2014 (Muzakarah Council 105), ruling the purified final product halal. MUIS marks E621 as syubhah, noting it is the sodium salt of glutamic acid (E620). On the classification of SANHA and JAKIM, E621 is halal.

Food-safety note

Permitted as a flavour enhancer in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15). Glutamate occurs naturally in many foods such as tomatoes and cheese; FSANZ reviewed the so-called "MSG symptom complex" and found no consistent evidence that MSG causes the reactions sometimes attributed to it. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E621 halal?

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) (E621) is classified halal. MUIS classifies it as doubtful; SANHA and JAKIM Muzakarah Council 105 (2014) classify it as halal.

What is E621 made from?

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) (E621) is derived from plant sources. It is commonly found in Chinese food, savoury chips, instant noodles, and seasonings.

Found in

Chinese foodsavoury chipsinstant noodlesseasoningssoup stocksprocessed meats