Mono Sodium Glutamate - MSG - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

ls240455 · 01-20-2002, 05:47 AM

Anyone have any experiences with detecting MSG in food?

Jay Tor · 01-21-2002, 07:50 PM

Not sure what you mean by your question.

In Canada, food labeling laws require that MSG be identified in the ingredients/product contents section. The big problem is that MSG also goes by other names, or is included as an unspecified ingredient in pre-packaged "mixed spices or seasonings" [e.g. Chinese five spice seasoning]. If you are sensitive to MSG, avoid processed soy sauce [it's loaded with MSG], processed/packaged meats, packaged soups, packaged meat marinades, etc. Basically, if it's a salty-tasting meat-based processed food, it's a good bet that it contains MSG and/or nitrates/nitrites [equally bad for your health].

Jay Tor · 01-21-2002, 07:54 PM

In general, food labeling laws require that MSG be identified in the ingredients/product contents section. The big problem is that MSG also goes by other names, or is included as an unspecified ingredient in pre-packaged mixed spices or seasonings [e.g. Chinese five spice seasoning]. If you are sensitive to MSG, avoid processed soy sauce [it's loaded with MSG], processed/packaged/canned meats, soups, meat marinades, etc. Basically, if it's a salty-tasting meat-based processed food, it's a good bet that it contains MSG and/or nitrates/nitrites [equally bad for your health].

Jay Tor · 01-23-2002, 10:04 AM

Found this link on MSG from the Emory University Chem students' board. Good background on the physiology of taste and where MSG can be found, either as a naturally occurring substance in foods or as an additive.
[url="http://www.ecit.emory.edu/ECIT/chem_ram/receptors/Emily.html"]http://www.ecit.emory.edu/ECIT/chem_ram/receptors/Emily.html[/url]