Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of l-glutamic acid and monosodium l-glutamate monohydrate produced by fermentation using the genetically modified strain Corynebacterium glutamicum NITE BP-01681. The additives are intended to be used in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories as nutritional additives (amino acids) or as sensory additives (flavouring compounds). Viable cells of the production strain and its DNA were not detected in the final additives. The additives do not give rise to any safety concern regarding the production strain. l-Glutamic acid and monosodium l-glutamate monohydrate produced using C. glutamicum NITE BP-01681 are considered safe for the target species, for the consumer and for the environment. However, the Panel raised concerns on the use in water for drinking for hygienic reasons. The additives are considered not irritant to skin or eyes and not dermal sensitisers but a risk by inhalation. The Panel concluded that the additives are efficacious as nutritional additives and as flavouring compounds.