Is Monosodium Glutamate / MSG (E621) Halal?

MUIS lists MSG as doubtful (mashbooh), not haram. Commercial MSG is made by fermenting plant sugars such as sugar cane, beet molasses or tapioca starch, and the glutamate itself contains no animal material. The doubt comes from the production process: the fermentation medium, nutrients and processing aids vary by manufacturer and can include animal-derived ingredients. MSG from the major producers is widely halal-certified, so the practical test is whether the finished product carries a recognised halal logo.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, the most widely used flavour enhancer in the world. It is produced by bacterial fermentation of starch, sugar beet molasses or sugar cane.

• Chinese food
• instant noodles
• savoury snacks
• soup bases
• bouillon cubes
• processed meats

• Look for a recognised halal certification logo (MUIS, JAKIM, MUI, HMC or similar) on the packaging — certified products have had the source of this additive verified.
• Check whether the label states the origin, for example 'vegetable origin', 'plant-based' or 'soy'.
• If there is no certification and the origin is not stated, contact the manufacturer or choose a product with a halal alternative.

yeast extract, natural umami sources (parmesan, mushrooms), disodium 5'-ribonucleotides (E635)

E621 (Monosodium Glutamate/MSG) is doubtful for Muslims according to the MUIS food additive listing. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, the most widely used flavour enhancer in the world.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, the most widely used flavour enhancer in the world. It is produced by bacterial fermentation of starch, sugar beet molasses or sugar cane.

E621 is commonly found in Chinese food, instant noodles, savoury snacks, soup bases, bouillon cubes, and processed meats.