E639DL-Alanine

E639 is DL-alanine (DL-alanin). In Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT it is listed with the functions: flavour enhancer.

Code: E639 · INS 639
Group: Flavour enhancer

In Vietnam✓ PermittedOn the list of permitted additives — Circular 24/2019, Appendix 1

Risk level on the Yenzo Scalevery low?Based on the Open Food Facts additives taxonomy

How E639 appears on labels

IngredientsIllustrative example

Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, flavour enhancer (639), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).

flavour enhancer (639)flavour enhancer 639E639INS 639On Vietnamese labels: DL-Alanin

Questions about DL-Alanine

What is E639 (DL-alanine)?

Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT (Appendix 1) lists INS 639 with the functions: flavour enhancer.

Is DL-alanine harmful?

JECFA evaluated DL-alanine as a flavouring agent in 2004 and recorded: “No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent”. This is not a separate evaluation of INS 639 as a flavour enhancer. In the United States, 21 CFR 172.540 permits DL-alanine as a flavor enhancer for sweeteners in pickling mixtures at up to 1 percent of the pickling spice.

Is DL-alanine permitted in Vietnam?

Yes. DL-alanine (INS 639) is listed in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, the list of additives permitted in food.

Other flavour enhancers

E631Disodium inosinatelow E632Dipotassium inosinatelow E633Calcium inosinatelow E634Calcium 5'-ribonucleotideslow E635Disodium 5'-ribonucleotideslow E640Glycine and its sodium saltvery low

See all flavour enhancers →

Updated 23 October 2026

How Yenzo scores

Sources (4)

Information only, not medical advice. The risk level is the additive's class in Yenzo's open scoring method, based on the cited source.