Disodium Inosinate

Flavor enhancer

Also known as Disodium 5'-inosinate, Sodium 5'-inosinate, IMP, Disodium inosine 5-monophosphate, Sodium Inosinate, Inosinate de Sodium

SANHA, IFANCA + MUI, and MUIS all classify this as doubtful.

Based on 3 cited authorities. Confidence: medium.

What authorities say

3 authorities on record

3say Doubtful

Saying Doubtful3 of 3

SANHA

Mushbooh

IFANCA + MUI

Mushbooh. Halal if from yeast or fish, haram if from non-halal meat

MUIS

MUIS Food Additive Listing (2016): Sodium salt of inosinic acid, found in meat extract and sardines.

Why this verdict

E631 is disodium inosinate, a flavour enhancer found in instant noodles, chips, savoury snacks, seasonings, and processed meats. SANHA classifies E631 as Mushbooh and notes the source can be meat extract or other sources. IFANCA and MUI classify it as Mushbooh, halal if from yeast or fish and haram if from non-halal meat. MUIS marks E631 as syubhah, noting it is the sodium salt of inosinic acid, found in meat extract and sardines. Because the source is not disclosed on the label, E631 is doubtful by default.

Food-safety note

Permitted as a flavour enhancer in Australia and New Zealand under the Food Standards Code (Schedule 15). Usually paired with MSG to boost savoury flavour; regarded as safe at the levels used in food. As a nucleotide it adds to dietary purines, which people managing gout may wish to note. (Source: FSANZ; Food Standards Code Schedule 15.)

Common questions

Is E631 halal?

Disodium Inosinate (E631) is classified doubtful. SANHA, IFANCA + MUI, and MUIS classify it as doubtful.

What is E631 made from?

Disodium Inosinate (E631) is commonly found in Instant noodles, chips, savoury snacks, and seasonings.

What is a halal alternative to E631?

Halal-considered alternatives include mushroom powder and fermented soy seasonings.

Try instead

—mushroom powder

—fermented soy seasonings

Found in

Instant noodleschipssavoury snacksseasoningssoup stocksprocessed meats