What is Glutamic acid (E620)?

What does it do?

Strengthens the food’s own taste, especially the savoury "umami" note.

Is it harmful? Risk context

It is generally regarded as safe and has been used widely for many years; many are naturally sourced or substances the body already processes. Seeing it on a label does not mean "a bad product".

Glutamate family; EFSA 2017 group ADI 30 mg/kg

Containing an additive is not the same as being harmed by the product. A hazard is a substance’s theoretical potential to cause harm; risk depends on the actual amount you are exposed to. Rather than stamping additives with fear-based labels, NeBu explains them with sourced information — and leaves the decision to you.

Safe daily intake (EFSA ADI)

Group-ADI 30 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA 2017, as glutamic acid)

Sources

• EFSA — Food additives
• EFSA — Re-evaluation of glutamates (2017)
• Türk Gıda Kodeksi — Gıda Katkı Maddeleri Yönetmeliği (RG 13.10.2023)