In today’s world, many processed foods contain additives and flavor enhancers, one of the most common being E621, also known as monosodium glutamate (MSG). It enhances the savory or “umami” taste in soups, snacks, and seasonings. However, for Muslims, the question remains essential: Is E621 halal or haram? Understanding its origin and method of production is critical before consuming products that contain this additive.
What Is E621 (Monosodium Glutamate)?
E621, or MSG, is a sodium salt of the amino acid glutamic acid. It occurs naturally in many foods such as tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese. In the food industry, MSG is produced on a large scale to enhance flavor in products like instant noodles, chips, sauces, and canned soups.
Originally, MSG was extracted from natural proteins, but modern manufacturing relies mainly on fermentation of starch, sugarcane, or molasses using bacterial cultures. This process is similar to making yogurt or vinegar, but it depends heavily on the specific ingredients used during fermentation.
How Is E621 Produced?
The halal status of E621 depends entirely on its source materials and production process.
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Plant-Based Fermentation:
When MSG is made from plant-based carbohydrates through microbial fermentation, and no animal-derived substances are used, it is generally considered halal. -
Animal-Derived Cultures or Enzymes:
In some cases, animal-based enzymes or cultures might be used to speed up fermentation. If these are derived from non-halal-slaughtered animals or pork, the product becomes haram. -
Use of Alcohol in Processing:
If alcohol is used as a solvent or carrier during production, the halal status becomes questionable unless it completely evaporates or transforms during processing.
Islamic Ruling on E621 (MSG)
From an Islamic perspective, every ingredient must be evaluated based on its origin and purity. The Qur’an clearly instructs:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ كُلُوا مِمَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ حَلَالًا طَيِّبًا
“O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:168)
This verse emphasizes that Muslims should only consume what is both halal (lawful) and tayyib (pure, wholesome).
According to many Islamic scholars, MSG is halal if:
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It is produced using plant-based ingredients.
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No animal-derived or haram substances are used in any stage.
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The production facility follows halal standards.
However, if the source or method is doubtful, then it falls into the mushbooh (questionable) category, which should be avoided until confirmed halal.
Scholarly Opinions and Fatwas
Several Islamic research bodies have examined MSG in detail. The general conclusion is that E621 is halal when produced from permissible sources. If there is any use of pig enzymes or non-halal slaughtered animal materials, it becomes haram.
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Halal Certification Authorities in countries like Malaysia (JAKIM), Indonesia (MUI), and South Africa (SANHA) have approved certain MSG products as halal after verifying their sources.
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However, in the past, some manufacturers used animal-derived cultures, which made the product haram until they changed their formulation.
Thus, the ruling depends on the manufacturer’s process and whether it has been certified by a recognized halal authority.
When E621 Becomes Doubtful
E621 becomes mushbooh (doubtful) when:
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The source of enzymes or cultures is not disclosed.
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The product has no halal certification.
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The manufacturer cannot guarantee that no haram substances were involved in production.
In such cases, the Prophet ﷺ advised Muslims to avoid doubtful matters:
“Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2518)
This principle encourages caution when the halal status of a product is unclear.
Health and Safety Aspect
While the religious ruling focuses on halal or haram, some people also worry about MSG’s health effects. Scientific research shows that MSG is generally safe for consumption in moderate amounts. However, it should still be used carefully, as excessive intake can cause headaches or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Islam teaches moderation in all things — including food:
وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا
“Eat and drink, but do not be excessive.”
(Surah Al-A‘raf 7:31)
How to Identify Halal E621
If you want to ensure that E621 in a product is halal:
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Check for Halal Certification – Look for logos from recognized authorities like JAKIM, IFANCA, or SANHA.
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Read Ingredient Labels – Prefer MSG made from plant-based fermentation.
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Avoid Unknown Brands – Use products from trusted companies that disclose their manufacturing details.
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Contact Manufacturers – Ask directly whether animal-derived cultures are used in production.
Final Verdict: Is E621 Halal or Haram?
In conclusion, E621 (monosodium glutamate) is halal if it is derived from plant-based or synthetic sources and produced without any haram substances.
However, if it involves animal-derived or pork-based enzymes or lacks proper transparency, it becomes haram or doubtful.
Muslims should always verify ingredients and rely on certified halal products to ensure their food remains pure and permissible. When in doubt, it is better to avoid it for the sake of faith and conscience.
