INS 620
flavor enhancersL-Glutamic Acid
Mushbooh (Questionable)
Is INS 620 (L-Glutamic Acid) halal?
Source-dependent. May be derived from halal (plant/synthetic) or haram (animal) sources. Verify with the manufacturer or look for halal certification.
What to do
Don't assume. Ask the brand for halal certification or source information.
Where is INS 620 used?
INS (International Numbering System) codes are maintained by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and used on food labels in many countries outside the EU. You will commonly see INS 620 on packaging from:
In the EU and UK, the same additive appears as E620. The ingredient, halal status, and sourcing considerations are identical — only the labelling system differs.
EU / UK equivalent: E620
INS 620 and E620 refer to the same food additive — L-Glutamic Acid. If you are checking a product purchased in the UK or Europe, look for E620 on the label instead.
See full E620 halal guide →About INS 620
Miscellaneous - flavour enhancers. Suitable for vegetarian label on the package indicates the source of l-glutamic acid is from vegetable protein or it has to be under Halal or kosher certification. In USA/canada it is kosher certified and meet the Halal requirements. L-glutamic acid is also obtained from yeast and yeast can also grown on pork fat media then it is haram. It happened in indonesia few years back when monosodium glutamate is produced using pork fat media to grow yeast by ajinomonto indonesia. As it was reported on our website.
⚠️ Verification Required
The halal status of INS 620 depends on its source. Always check for halal certification on the product packaging or contact the manufacturer directly.
Sources / Derived From
- fermentation of plant sugars
- hydrolysis of vegetable protein
- yeast extract (may use pork media)
Foods that commonly contain INS 620
Frequently Asked Questions
Is INS 620 (L-Glutamic Acid) halal?
INS 620 (L-Glutamic Acid) is classified as Mushbooh (Questionable). Source-dependent. May be derived from halal (plant/synthetic) or haram (animal) sources. Verify with the manufacturer or look for halal certification.
What is INS 620 used for?
INS 620 is used as a flavour enhancer - precursor to msg, provides umami taste in food products.
What is the difference between INS 620 and E620?
INS 620 and E620 are the same additive — L-Glutamic Acid. INS numbers are used on food labels in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and GCC countries. The E-number system (E620) is used in EU and UK markets. The halal status is identical regardless of which label system is used.
What foods contain INS 620?
INS 620 (L-Glutamic Acid) is commonly found in: flavored snacks, seasoning mixes, processed foods.
What is INS 620 made from?
INS 620 can be derived from: fermentation of plant sugars, hydrolysis of vegetable protein, yeast extract (may use pork media).
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