E624: Monoammonium Glutamate
Main role: flavor enhancement
Also listed as: ammonium glutamate
What is E624 (Monoammonium Glutamate)?
Monoammonium glutamate is the ammonium salt of glutamic acid. It is a specified flavor enhancer within the E620 to E625 glutamate group.
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 mixtures
- Soup preparations
- Food seasoning blends
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 E624, E 624, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include ammonium glutamate. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
E624 is not MSG E621, even though both supply glutamate. The counterion and the exact ingredient specification differ.
Is E624 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 E624 as Monoammonium glutamate. 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.