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Monosodium glutamate (MSG) (E621)
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer used in soups, sauces, snacks, instant noodles.. The EFSA acceptable daily intake is 30 mg per kg of body weight per day — about 1 800 mg a day for a 60 kg adult.
What it does
Group ADI for glutamates (EFSA 2017). MSG is the sodium salt of the amino acid glutamic acid.
Where you meet it
Soups, sauces, snacks, instant noodles.
What the ADI means in practice
1 800 mg per day is the figure for a 60 kg adult — multiply or divide for your own weight. EFSA derives ADIs with a safety margin of typically 100×, and they describe daily lifetime intake. A single day above the ADI does not translate to harm; a permanent diet above it is what the limit exists to prevent.
This page describes the general scientific position. Allergies and sensitivities are individual: if your body disagrees with an additive, avoid it regardless of any ADI.
Sources: EFSA — food additives re-evaluations · Open Food Facts — additives taxonomy · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
What is Monosodium glutamate (MSG) (E621)?
Flavour enhancer. Group ADI for glutamates (EFSA 2017). MSG is the sodium salt of the amino acid glutamic acid. It is used in Soups, sauces, snacks, instant noodles.
How much monosodium glutamate (msg) is safe?
EFSA set the ADI at 30 mg per kg body weight per day — 1 800 mg per day for a 60 kg adult, every day for a lifetime. It is a long-run average, not a single-meal limit.
Should I avoid monosodium glutamate (msg)?
For a healthy adult there is no reason to avoid it at typical intakes. If you have a diagnosed sensitivity or a health condition, your clinician's advice is the one that counts.
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