What Is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives

⚡ Quick Facts

E-NumberE621
FDA StatusFDA classifies MSG as GRAS. FDA requires MSG to be declared on the label when added as an ingredient. FDA commissioned a…
EFSA StatusEFSA re-evaluated in 2017 and established a group ADI of 30 mg/kg body weight/day for glutamic acid and its salts (E 620…
ADI30 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA, 2017, for total glutamate from additives)
SeverityModerate Risk (6/10)

What Is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?

The sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid. Used as a flavor enhancer to impart umami taste. Glutamate is also naturally present in tomatoes, parmesan cheese, soy sauce, and mushrooms.

Mechanism of Action

Glutamate activates umami taste receptors (T1R1+T1R3) on the tongue. Dietary glutamate is extensively metabolized by intestinal cells and used as an energy substrate. Less than 5% of ingested glutamate reaches systemic circulation. The 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome' hypothesis has not been reproduced in controlled double-blind studies.

Why People Avoid Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA

FDA classifies MSG as GRAS. FDA requires MSG to be declared on the label when added as an ingredient. FDA commissioned a 1995 FASEB report that found no evidence of serious adverse effects at typical consumption levels.

🇪🇺 EFSA

EFSA re-evaluated in 2017 and established a group ADI of 30 mg/kg body weight/day for glutamic acid and its salts (E 620-625). EFSA noted that exposure from food additives alone may exceed the ADI in some populations.

Regulatory Timeline

1908 Kikunae Ikeda identifies glutamate as the source of umami in kombu
1909 Ajinomoto begins commercial production of MSG
1968 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome' letter published in NEJM
1995 FASEB report to FDA finds no evidence of MSG causing serious adverse effects
2017 EFSA establishes ADI of 30 mg/kg/day

Products Containing Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) (7 found)

#ProductBrandScore
1Banquet Salisbury Steak with Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Cinnamon Apple Dessert, Frozen Meal, 11.88 oz.Conagra Brands, Inc24/100
2Great Value Nacho Cheese Tortilla ChipsWalmart35/100
3great value cheddar and sour cream ripple chips—35/100
4GREAT VALUE, CHICKEN NOODLE CONDENSED SOUPWal-Mart Stores, Inc.42/100
5CREAM OF CHICKEN CONDENSED SOUP, CREAM OF CHICKENWal-Mart Stores, Inc.44/100
6MARKET PANTRY, CREAM OF CHICKEN CONDENSED SOUPTarget Stores47/100
7GREAT VALUE, CREAM OF CHICKEN CONDENSED SOUPWal-Mart Stores, Inc.49/100

Average safety score for products containing Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): 39/100

Safer Alternatives

✅
Yeast extract
✅
Mushroom powder
✅
Soy sauce
✅
Fish sauce
✅
Kombu (kelp)

Scientific Sources

  1. FASEB (1995). Analysis of Adverse Reactions to Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). Report to the US FDA
  2. EFSA (2017). Re-evaluation of glutamic acid–glutamates (E 620–E 625). EFSA Journal, 15(7), 4910
  3. Geha et al. (2000). Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-challenge evaluation of reported reactions to MSG. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 106(5), 973-980

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?
The sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid. Used as a flavor enhancer to impart umami taste. Glutamate is also naturally present in tomatoes, parmesan cheese, soy sauce, and mushrooms.
Is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) safe?
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is FDA classifies MSG as GRAS. FDA requires MSG to be declared on the label when added as an ingredient. EFSA re-evaluated in 2017 and established a group ADI of 30 mg/kg body weight/day for glutamic acid .
Where is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) banned?
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is not currently banned in any major market according to our database.
What are alternatives to Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?
Safer alternatives to Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) include: Yeast extract, Mushroom powder, Soy sauce, Fish sauce, Kombu (kelp).
How can I avoid Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?
Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and suggest safer alternatives.
What foods contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is commonly found in: Doritos, KFC seasoning, Cup Noodles, Pringles, Ranch dressing, Canned soups. Our database has flagged it in 7 products.
What are the side effects of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)?
Concerns about Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) include: 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome' narrative (not supported by controlled studies); Consumer perception of MSG as 'artificial' despite natural occurrence; Some individuals report subjective sensitivity symptoms.
Is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) natural or artificial?
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Glutamate activates umami taste receptors (T1R1+T1R3) on the tongue. Dietary glutamate is extensively metabolized by intestinal cells and used as an e.
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⚕️ This page provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

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📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/monosodium-glutamate
MLA"What Is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/monosodium-glutamate.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/monosodium-glutamate">What Is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@misc{checkit2026ingredientsmonosodiumglutamate, title = {What Is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI}, author = {CheckIt AI}, year = {2026}, publisher = {Climaverse PBC}, url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/monosodium-glutamate}, note = {Retrieved 2026-03-05} }