Is E640 (Glycine & sodium glycinate) Halal?
Doubtful — depends on source
E640 (Glycine & sodium glycinate) is an amino acid that can be produced synthetically or derived from animal protein — so it is treated as doubtful (mushbooh) unless the source is known.
What is E640?
Glycine is the simplest amino acid, used in small amounts as a flavour enhancer and taste modifier. It can be made synthetically or obtained from protein (which may be animal-derived).
Produced by chemical synthesis, or by hydrolysing protein — which can be plant or animal in origin. The source is rarely stated.
Why is it doubtful (mushbooh)?
Glycine is doubtful because it can be synthetic (halal) or extracted from animal protein (permissible only if from a halal animal). Because the source is usually unstated, it is treated as doubtful until confirmed. Much commercial glycine is synthetic, but this should be verified.
Commonly found in
It may be found in — this does not mean every product below contains it.
- Flavour blends and seasonings
- Some beverages and supplements
- Processed foods (as a taste modifier)
How it appears on labels
GlycineSodium glycinateE640INS number: 640
How to verify a product in Singapore
- Ingredient-level guidance is not halal certification — check the complete product, not just this ingredient.
- Look for recognised halal certification, and check the finished product on the official MUIS HalalSG register.
- When the source or processing aids are unclear, contact the manufacturer.
In Singapore, verify the finished product on the MUIS HalalSG register or contact the manufacturer if the source is unclear.
Check MUIS HalalSGSources: EFSA, FAO/WHO, MUIS · Last reviewed: July 2026 · This guidance is not certification.
Frequently asked questions
Is E640 (glycine) halal?
It is doubtful (mushbooh). It can be synthetic (halal) or from animal protein (permissible only if from a halal animal). Since the source is usually unstated, verify with certification or the manufacturer.
Is glycine from animals?
It can be — glycine can be synthetic or obtained from animal protein. Much commercial glycine is synthetic, but confirm the source.
What names should I look for?
'Glycine', 'Sodium glycinate' or 'E640'.
Related ingredients
Sources & methodology
- Glycine and its sodium salt (E 640) — food additive information — European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) · Synthetic or protein-derived origin
- General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) Online Database — Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) · Approved uses and INS number
- Halal Certification — HalalSG — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) · Singapore halal verification process
Humble Halal methodology: we classify additives by their common origin, not by any specific product. A generally-halal ingredient does not make a finished product halal-certified. This page is general guidance, not certification or religious/legal advice — always verify the complete product. Last reviewed July 2026.