Is MSG (E621) halal?

What is E621?

The sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found in almost all protein foods. Today it is made by fermentation: bacteria are fed sugar and ammonia and release glutamic acid, which is purified and turned into MSG with sodium hydroxide.

Why it's marked “Generally halal”

Manufacturers ferment plant sugars with bacteria, so MSG itself contains no animal material or alcohol. The catch is the fermentation process: the nutrients used to grow the bacteria, and anything used to prepare them, should not be pork-derived. This is why many producers hold halal certificates.

How to check the label

Plain MSG is generally fine. For extra certainty, look for a halal certificate from a recognised body on the product, or ask whether the MSG supplier is halal certified.

Where you'll find it

• instant noodles
• crisps and snacks
• stock cubes
• soups and sauces
• seasoning mixes

Good to know

• In 2017 EFSA set a group acceptable daily intake of 30 mg/kg body weight per day for glutamic acid and glutamates (E620 to E625).
• In the EU, added glutamates are generally limited to 10 g/kg of food, while seasonings and condiments have no fixed limit.
• Free glutamate also occurs naturally in foods such as tomatoes, aged cheese and yeast extract.

Similar additives

• E270 Lactic acid Generally halal
• E330 Citric acid Generally halal
• E331 Sodium citrates Generally halal
• E415 Xanthan gum Generally halal
• E627 Disodium guanylate Depends on the source
• E631 Disodium inosinate Depends on the source

See all 89 E-numbers in the halal checker

This list describes where additives usually come from. It isn't a religious ruling, and manufacturers can change their sources. Last reviewed: 14 October 2026.

Sources

1. EFSA re-evaluation of glutamic acid and glutamates E 620-625 (2017)

Frequently asked questions