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Flavour enhancerINS 635
E635

Disodium 5′-ribonucleotides

What you need to know

Ribonucleotides boost savoury “umami” taste. They are almost always used together with MSG, letting it work at lower levels.

They occur naturally in meat, fish and mushrooms. Regulators consider them low concern.

People who are very sensitive to MSG sometimes report reacting to them too.

Where it stands, by region

The same additive can be approved in one country and banned in another. This is the divergence that matters most.

🇦🇺AU / NZApproved
Permitted; must be declared on the label.
🇪🇺EUApproved
Permitted (EFSA).
🇺🇸USApproved
Permitted (FDA).
🇨🇦CAApproved
Permitted (Health Canada).

Health evidence

How settled the science is for each area — not how dangerous. “Unknown” means not enough good studies yet.

Hyperactivity & behaviour
Unknown
Allergy & intolerance
Suspected
Gut microbiome
Unknown
Metabolic effects
Unknown
Carcinogenicity
Unknown
Cardiovascular
Unknown

A 1:1 mix of disodium inosinate (E631) and disodium guanylate (E627). JECFA ADI 'not specified'.

Synthesis: Fermentation-derivedADI Not specified (acceptable)