INS 621 is monosodium glutamate, better known as MSG or by the brand name Ajinomoto. It is a flavour enhancer that brings out the savoury, meaty taste called umami, the same taste profile your tongue picks up from tomatoes, parmesan, and mushroom. It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories with restrictions.
Quick Facts
INS Number
621
E-Number
E621
Category
Flavour Enhancer
Veg Status
Vegan
FSSAI Status
Permitted with restrictions
JECFA ADI
Not specified (2006)
Chemical Name
monosodium L-glutamate monohydrate
What is INS 621?
INS 621 is monosodium glutamate, better known as MSG or by the brand name Ajinomoto. It is a flavour enhancer that brings out the savoury, meaty taste called umami, the same taste profile your tongue picks up from tomatoes, parmesan, and mushroom.
Why brands add it
Brands add a small amount to make masala, broth, and savoury snacks taste fuller and more intense without using more salt or actual seasoning ingredients. It is the workhorse behind most instant noodle masala packets and chips powder coatings.
Where you'll find it
INS 621 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
instant noodles
chips and namkeen seasoning
soup powders and cup-noodle sachets
ready-to-eat curries
Chinese-style sauces
stock cubes
Veg or non-veg? - Vegan
Commercial MSG is made by bacterial fermentation of sugarcane molasses, starch, or beet sugar. No animal product is used in its production.
FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories with category-specific upper limits. FSSAI requires the label to declare 'Contains added Monosodium Glutamate' and 'Not recommended for infants below 12 months', and prohibits its addition to foods intended for infants below 12 months.
JECFA: Group ADI 'not specified' for glutamic acid and its ammonium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium salts (31st JECFA, 1987; maintained at 67th JECFA, 2006). Earlier evaluations in 1970-73 had set 0-120 mg/kg bw before being withdrawn in favour of 'not specified'.
Also known as
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 621 is also called:
621ins 621e621e 621msgmonosodium glutamateajinomotoaji-no-motoaji no motochinese saltumami saltsodium glutamateglutamic acid
Frequently Asked Questions
Is INS 621 vegetarian?+
Vegan. Commercial MSG is made by bacterial fermentation of sugarcane molasses, starch, or beet sugar. No animal product is used in its production.
Is INS 621 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories with category-specific upper limits. FSSAI requires the label to declare 'Contains added Monosodium Glutamate' and 'Not recommended for infants below 12 months', and prohibits its addition to foods intended for infants below 12 months.
What is INS 621 used for?+
Brands add a small amount to make masala, broth, and savoury snacks taste fuller and more intense without using more salt or actual seasoning ingredients. It is the workhorse behind most instant noodle masala packets and chips powder coatings.
Is INS 621 (also written as E621) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 621 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E621 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (monosodium glutamate (msg)).
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.