Learn Glossary flavor enhancer

Monopotassium Glutamate(E622)

Level 3ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Monopotassium Glutamate is a flavor enhancer — Flavor enhancer and salt substitute used in meat

What it does

Flavor enhancer and salt substitute used in meat

Where you'll see it

meat products, low-salt foods

What the research says

Mildly toxic by ingestion; human systemic effects include headache. Free glutamate effects similar to MSG.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • EU: approved
  • Notes: EPA Genetic Toxicology Program; mildly toxic by ingestion

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Flavor enhancer and salt substitute used in meat