Vetsin or monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a spice often added to Chinese foods, canned goods, and some other processed foods. It has long been used in food because it is said to make it delicious.
But to answer the question of whether it is actually safe to use in cooked foods, for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is said to be safe, although its use remains controversial. Some even say that they feel some symptoms after eating food that has been given vetsin. The most commonly mentioned symptoms are as follows:
- headache
- nausea
- redness
- sweating
- tightness of the skin on the face
- itching or numbness of the face and neck
- rapid heartbeat
- chest pain
- turning
- weakness
But still according to experts, these symptoms are unfounded. There is no solid evidence to prove the relationship between the experience of the above -mentioned symptoms and the use of vetsin in those who eat. And the symptoms that are said to be connected to vetsin are often not serious and do not require immediate medical attention.
What types of food is it found in?
MSG is everywhere.
Anywhere you see the words 'Flavour Enhancer' on an ingredients list - you're looking at MSG. But it goes by a whole host of other names too:
- 620 L -glutamic acid
- 621 Monosodium glutamate, L-
- 622 Monopotassium glutamate, L-
- 623 Calcium glutamate, Di-L-
- 624 Monoammonium glutamate, L-
- 625 Magnesium glutamate, Di-L-
- 627 Disodium guanylate, 5’-
- 631 Disodium inosinate, 5’-
- 635 Disodium ribonucleotides, 5’-
Check the labelling on pretty much any sauce, marinade, flavoured chips, stock cubes, instant noodles, processed meats and you'll find one of the above, or the more ambiguous 'flavour enhancer'.
And if you've ever wondered why KFC is so finger licking' good? Well, you can bet that one of those 11 herbs and spices that Colonel Sanders uses in his secret recipe is MSG.
Unfortunately there is no requirement in restaurants and cafés in Australia to declare the presence of MSG.
Sometimes Asian restaurants will have a sign that states their food is MSG free but it's always best to ask. And remember, it's not just in Asian food.
Tags:
Health / Tips