CAUTION — -8 pts

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Flags: F-O07

Also known as: MSG, E621, Sodium glutamate, Glutamic acid

Kids Food & Snacks

What it is

MSG is a flavor enhancer that adds umami (savory) taste to foods. It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally present in many foods. MSG is used in snacks, soups, processed meats, and seasonings.

CAUTION

FDA considers MSG generally safe for adults, but pediatric safety data is limited, particularly for children under 5. WTL flags MSG specifically in products marketed to young children where cumulative daily exposure may be higher relative to body weight. The flag is CAUTION, not SEVERE, reflecting the limited but not absent concern.

Why it matters

Limited pediatric safety data for children under 5
MSG symptom complex (headache, flushing, numbness) reported in sensitive individuals, though controlled studies have not consistently replicated these effects
Potential excitotoxicity concern in developing brains at high doses (animal data, relevance to dietary MSG in humans debated)
Children's lower body weight means higher relative dose from same portion size

The research

Food Additives and Child Health (AAP Policy Statement)

Trasande L, Shaffer RM, Sathyanarayana S. Pediatrics, 2018. 142(2):e20181408 PMID: 30037975 [Source]

"AAP noted the need for additional safety evaluation of flavoring agents including MSG, particularly for pediatric exposure"

Who should care most

Children under 5 consuming products with MSG. Individuals with MSG sensitivity (estimated 1-2% of population).

How other countries handle it

Country	Status
United States	Permitted. FDA GRAS. Must be listed on labels when added directly.
European Union	Permitted (E621) with maximum limits of 10g/kg in food.
Canada	Permitted. Must be declared on labels.
Australia	Permitted as E621.

Sources

Food Additives and Child Health (AAP Policy Statement). Trasande L, Shaffer RM, Sathyanarayana S. Pediatrics, 2018. 142(2):e20181408. PubMed 30037975

For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Consult your pediatrician. Data current as of March 24, 2026.