flavor_enhancer INS 640

Glycine E640

amino_acid β€” Primarily natural_or_synthetic.

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί EU: Approved
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA: Approved
πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan: Approved
πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί AU/NZ: Approved
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada: Approved
Scientific Name

Aminoacetic acid

CAS: 56-40-6

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Glycine occurs naturally in Meat and poultry and Fish and seafood. Many people consume it daily without realizing it's also a listed food additive.

Beyond food, Glycine is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Glycine has a "quantum satis" authorization β€” Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Ί

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

None

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS

Generally recognized as safe

πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: ζ—’ε­˜ζ·»εŠ η‰©

Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified (ADI not limited)

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

The simplest amino acid, naturally occurring in proteins. Has a sweet taste and is used as a flavor enhancer and sweetener. Also acts as a buffering agent.

Meat and poultryFish and seafoodDairy productsLegumesGelatin and collagen

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis or extraction

Commercially produced by chemical synthesis from chloroacetic acid and ammonia, or extracted from gelatin hydrolysate.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

pH adjuster, skin conditioning agent

Medical

Used in antacid formulations, nutritional supplements, ingredient in IV solutions

Industrial

Chemical intermediate, metal complexing agent

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glycine (E640)?
Glycine (E640) is a flavor_enhancer used in food products. It is amino_acid and natural_or_synthetic. The simplest amino acid, naturally occurring in proteins. Has a sweet taste and is used as a flavor enhancer and sweetener. Also acts as a buffering agent.
Where is Glycine found naturally?
Glycine is naturally found in Meat and poultry, Fish and seafood, Dairy products, Legumes, Gelatin and collagen. The simplest amino acid, naturally occurring in proteins. Has a sweet taste and is used as a flavor enhancer and sweetener. Also acts as a buffering agent.
What is the ADI for Glycine?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Glycine is Not specified (ADI not limited) as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
What foods contain Glycine?
Glycine is used in various food categories including Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products. It is used as a flavor_enhancer in these products.
Is Glycine the same as Aminoacetic acid?
Yes, Glycine is also known as Aminoacetic acid, Gly. These are different names for the same substance.