E 641 L-leucine

What is E 641?

E 641 is the E number of L-leucine. Amino acid permitted as an anti-caking agent in table-top sweeteners in tablet form.

What is E 641 used for?

E 641 belongs to the group "Other additives" and is used as flavour enhancer, anti-caking agent.

• Flavour enhancer: Flavour enhancers enhance the existing taste or odour of a food.
• Anti-caking agent: Anti-caking agents stop particles of a food from sticking together or forming lumps.

Which foods may contain E 641?

According to the European Commission's database, E 641 may be used in 1 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Sugars, syrups, honey and table-top sweeteners

Is E 641 vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 641 linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be produced with microorganisms that can be genetically modified. If a substance is only produced with the help of genetically modified microorganisms, EU law does not require it to be labelled.

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 641 appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Flavour enhancer: E 641" or "Flavour enhancer: L-leucine".