E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist)

Direct Answer

E631 (Disodium 5'-Inosinate / IMP) is the sodium salt of inosinic acid, a purine nucleotide naturally found in aged beef, katsuobushi bonito flakes, and cured meats. INS 631, ADI is Not Specified, multiplying glutamate umami flavor.

Source: JECFA / EFSA · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026

Specs

E-Number Code	E631
INS / Codex Number	INS 631
Functional Class	Flavor Enhancer (Meat Purine Umami Synergist)
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)	Not Specified (Quantum Satis)
Chemical Formula	C10H11N4Na2O8P · xH2O
Primary Mechanism	Allosteric conformational stabilizer of human T1R1/T1R3 G-protein umami receptor heterodimer
Common Target Foods	Instant soups, meat seasonings, potato chips, canned meat gravies, cured snacks
Dietary Compliance	Vegan (Bacterial Corynebacterium fermentation standard), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval	EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.535)

The Dashi Principle: Glutamate + Inosinate

Traditional Japanese dashi broth combines kombu kelp (rich in E620 glutamate) with katsuobushi bonito flakes (rich in E630 inosinate), chemically discovering nucleotide umami synergy centuries before modern biochemistry.