Material Safety Data Sheet of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Identification

Product Name: Monosodium Glutamate
Chemical Formula: C5H8NNaO4·H2O
Common Names: MSG, Sodium Glutamate
CAS Number: 6106-04-3
Recommended Use: Flavor enhancer in food processing and culinary applications
Supplier: Food ingredient suppliers, bulk food manufacturers, global retailers
Emergency Contact: Regional poison control centers, emergency medical services, direct company emergency line

Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS for most regulatory agencies
Label Elements: Not required for major packaging units; not assigned pictograms for transport or routine handling
Health Hazards: Ingestion in large amounts can result in symptoms such as headache, nausea, sweating, and chest pain; rare allergic reactions noted in sensitive individuals
Environmental Hazards: Not considered environmentally dangerous, but careless disposal can contribute to nutrient loading in water bodies
Physical Hazards: Dust can aggravate individuals with respiratory conditions; slippery if spilled in large quantities on floors

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Identity: Monosodium Glutamate
Purity: Purity typically above 99% in commercial food-grade product
Impurities: Trace quantities of sodium chloride, moisture below 1%, possible minimal residues from manufacturing process
Synonyms: MSG, Sodium hydrogen glutamate

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove individual to fresh air, provide water to rinse mouth, consult medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with plenty of mild soap and lukewarm water
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with copious amounts of running water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink small amounts of water, seek medical attention for large accidental doses, monitor for allergic reactions

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, standard foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High volume jet water (may spread product), avoid chemical-specific suppressants not compatible with foodstuffs
Specific Hazards: Product itself is not flammable but thermal decomposition at extremely high temperatures can release oxides of nitrogen, sodium, carbon
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear common in industrial firefighting environments
Firefighting Procedures: Cool containers with water spray if exposed to fire, collect contaminated runoff, avoid inhaling decomposition fumes

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust masks, gloves, eye protection to avoid irritation or allergic response
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains, watercourses, or soil to avoid unnecessary nutrient loading
Cleanup Methods: Sweep or vacuum spilled powder into sealed containers, wash the area with water to remove residue, ventilate where dust is heavy
Disposal: Dispose under local, state, and federal regulations for food ingredients and non-hazardous chemicals

Handling and Storage

Handling: Handle with care to minimize dust formation, use proper utensils for scooping, avoid skin and eye contact
Safe Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers, keep in dry, cool, and ventilated area, separate from strong oxidizers and acids, avoid humidity to prevent caking
Special Precautions: Use in well-ventilated areas, do not reuse packaging without thorough cleaning, safeguard against insect and rodent contamination in storage facilities

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation where dust is generated, provide general ventilation for large-scale storage and handling
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves for routine handling, safety goggles for eye protection, dust mask for operations generating airborne particles
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limits for MSG; occupational exposure primarily related to dust
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after use, avoid eating or drinking in work areas, keep protective clothing clean

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: No significant odor
pH (solution): 6.7 – 7.3 (10% solution in water)
Melting Point: Decomposes without melting at approximately 232°C
Solubility: Soluble in water, nearly insoluble in common organic solvents
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile
Bulk Density: 650 to 850 kg/m³
Flash Point: Not flammable
Partition Coefficient: Not determined due to ionic nature

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Remains stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excess moisture, high temperatures, sources of ignition
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids
Hazardous Decomposition: Formation of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sodium oxides in the case of fire or excessive heating

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Oral, inhalation, dermal, eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat) above 15,000 mg/kg, considered low toxicity
Chronic Effects: Large repeated ingestion can result in mild transient symptoms; chronic exposure is not linked with severe health effects for the general population
Allergenic Potential: Rare hypersensitivity reactions reported, especially in individuals with pre-existing sensitivities
Carcinogenicity: Not listed as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Other Health Effects: No established reproductive toxicity or mutagenicity

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: No acute or chronic toxicity to aquatic life at concentrations encountered during typical use
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions in soil and water environments
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, due to rapid degradation and metabolism by microorganisms
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility in water-logged soils, product dissolves easily and disperses
Other Adverse Effects: High concentrations can disrupt local nutrient balance if released in large quantities into the environment

Disposal Considerations

Waste Management: Dispose of product in accordance with municipal regulations for non-hazardous substances
Container Disposal: Clean and reuse or recycle containers when possible, follow local guidance for food ingredient containers
Environmental Cautions: Avoid indiscriminate disposal into natural water bodies or sewage systems, minimize waste where feasible

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transport as hazardous material
Proper Shipping Name: Monosodium Glutamate
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified as dangerous for road, rail, air, or sea
Packing Group: Not assigned
Special Precautions: Store and transport in sealed, moisture-resistant packaging to prevent caking and contamination

Regulatory Information

Global Inventory Listings: Listed on TSCA, EINECS, DSL, AICS, and other major chemical inventories
FDA Status: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for intended uses in food
EU Regulations: Approved as food additive E621, complies with relevant purity criteria
Workplace Regulations: No mandatory exposure limits under OSHA, but good practice for dust control applies
Other Standards: Review specific local guidelines for waste, storage, and transport to comply with regionally applicable rules