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Typical source

Bacterial fermentation

Plain-language explanation

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer made through the fermentation of starch, sugar beets, or sugarcane. It is generally considered halal by major certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, MUIS, ESMA, and HFA because the final product is pure and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, its halal status can depend on the source of the raw material and the enzymes used during fermentation, which must be from halal-certified sources. Consumers should look for a halal certification symbol on the product to ensure it meets Islamic dietary laws.