Is e621 monosodium glutamate vegan?

E621 is the European food additive code for monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, which is the sodium salt of glutamic acid used as a flavor enhancer. Monosodium glutamate is commercially produced through the bacterial fermentation of plant-derived carbohydrate sources, such as sugar cane, sugar beets, cassava, or cornstarch. Selected bacterial strains convert these agricultural sugars into glutamic acid, which is subsequently neutralized with sodium hydroxide, purified, and crystallized into its final salt form.

This additive commonly appears in savory processed foods, including canned soups, snack chips, instant noodle seasonings, prepared sauces, and frozen meals. E621 monosodium glutamate is classified as vegan because its production relies entirely on plant feedstocks, microbial fermentation, and mineral inputs. Animal tissues, fluids, or slaughterhouse byproducts are not used during the manufacturing process, meaning the final ingredient contains no animal sources.