On July 12, 2017, EFSA issued a report on the re-evaluation of group of glutamates (E 620-625) used as flavor enhancers. EFSA concluded that no adverse effects were observed in the available short-term, subchronic, chronic, reproductive, and developmental studies. However, EFSA stated that glutamates are widely associated with adverse effects, such as headache, raised blood pressure, and increased insulin levels, for some population groups. Thus, EFSA used the available neurodevelopmental toxicity study to derive a group acceptable daily intake ("ADI") of 30 mg/kg bw per day. Importantly, EFSA also noted that the current exposure to glutamate exceeded not only the proposed ADI but also doses associated with the adverse effects mentioned above. EFSA report is likely to lead in the future to the revision of the permitted levels of glutamates in foods in the European Union.
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