Food Grade L-Methionine Prices,Use Safety

The safety of using l-methionine in food processing is mainly based on its physicochemical properties, toxicity assessment, and regulatory standards.

L-methionine, also known as l-methylthionine, is a colorless or white, lustrous, plate-like crystalline or white crystalline powder with a distinct odor and a slightly sweet or slightly bitter taste. It has a high melting point, around 280–281°C (decomposing), and is stable to heat and air, but unstable to strong acids, which may cause demethylation. These properties indicate that under normal food processing and storage conditions, l-methionine remains stable and is unlikely to undergo harmful changes.

Toxicity evaluations of l-methionine show that its toxicity is relatively low. For example, the LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of test animals) after intraperitoneal injection in rats is 29 mmol/kg, suggesting that lethal effects on animals only occur at higher doses. Furthermore,l-methionine has been classified as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is permitted for use in food, supporting its safety in food processing.

The use of l-methionine is regulated by laws and standards from various countries and international organizations. For instance, in China, food safety standards such as GB 2760-86 specify the range and maximum allowable concentrations for its use as a food additive. These regulatory standards ensure the legality and safety of l-methionine in food processing.

Although l-methionine has many advantages in food processing, there are still certain precautions to ensure its safety in practical applications:

·Control of Dosage: The addition of l-methionine should be strictly controlled according to the specific needs of food processing and in compliance with regulatory standards to avoid excessive use.

·Compatibility with Other Ingredients: During food processing, it is important to ensure that l-methionine is compatible with other ingredients (such as acids, bases, and enzymes) to avoid any adverse chemical reactions.

·Storage Conditions: L-methionine should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from high temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight, to maintain its stability and safety.

The use of l-methionine in food processing is safe. Its stable physicochemical properties, favorable toxicity assessment, regulatory support, and safety considerations in practical use indicate that l-methionine can be an effective food additive to enhance the nutritional value and taste of meat products, while ensuring consumer food safety. However, to maintain its safety, it is essential to strictly adhere to relevant regulations and standards during use and to strengthen quality monitoring and management.