Debunking common misconceptions on MSG

CEBU, Philippines - Many erroneous statements have been made about monosodium glutamate (MSG), a popular flavor enhancer. Renowned food technologist Aurora Saulo, PhD debunks common misconceptions about MSG. A Fulbright scholar with a Ph.D. in food science and a MS in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Dr. Saulo also has extensive experience as a food chemist and food processing engineer.

MSG is a natural flavor enhancer made from the natural fermentation of starch, corn sugar, or molasses from sugar cane or sugar beets that can perk up the taste of dishes with the distinctive umami taste. Umami is the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, bitter and salty. It is also described as savory, meaty, or in Filipino, “malinamnam.” Dr. Saulo states that MSG also offers consumers an alternative to the use of table salt . For those who are sodium-restricted, one may choose to use MSG which has 12 percent sodium instead of table salt which has 40 percent sodium.

There are misconceptions about MSG that started in 1968. “Many exaggerations and erroneous statements have been said about MSG,” she says. Some consumers believe this erroneous information and decide to eliminate certain foods from their diet that may unfortunately result in a nutritional imbalance. To combat misperceptions, the scientific community conducted studies on MSG making it one of the most extensively researched food ingredients in the world. Results of various scientific studies and reviews undertaken over the past four decades reiterate that MSG is a safe flavor enhancer for the general population. No less than the US Food and Drug Administration declared MSG as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) ingredient, the status given food substances that have a long history of safe use, such as flour, sugar, and salt.

In view of this, Dr. Saulo believes that it is important for physicians, nutritionists, food technologists, and other health professionals to debunk junk science about MSG and teach the public information that is truthful and backed by science. Meaningful dialogues and awareness raising programs are necessary to educate Filipinos about different food ingredients, including MSG. Debunking myths may take time, but these educational programs are necessary for Filipinos to make informed decisions about food and nutrition and take better control of their health. PR