E620: Glutamic Acid
Main role: flavor enhancement
Also listed as: L-glutamic acid, glutamate acid form
What is E620 (Glutamic Acid)?
Glutamic acid is an amino acid associated with savory taste. As E620 it is used to enhance flavor, while related salts such as monosodium glutamate have their own E numbers.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is flavor enhancement. Flavor enhancement changes how a recipe tastes. It does not replace the food’s protein, vegetables, or other nutrients. Salt and other seasonings may still be present, so compare the complete label.
Food and formulation examples
- Savory seasonings
- Soups
- Sauces
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E620, E 620, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include L-glutamic acid, glutamate acid form. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Naturally occurring glutamate and added glutamic acid can contribute to taste, but the ingredient list identifies deliberate additions. E620 does not disclose the food's total glutamate concentration.
Is E620 safe?
EFSA’s 2017 review set a group intake limit and identified potential exceedance in some population groups. EFSA glutamate assessment (2017).
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E620 as Glutamic acid. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.