In view of the Maggi episode there is lot of myth about the chemical called Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) . It is one of the reasons cited for removing Maggie and other noodles out of shelves. Let’s investigate the truth about this mysterious chemical.
Glutamate is the naturally found substance in many common foods like tomato, potato, onion and even in mother’s milk. The presence of this substance is one of the reason for tasty flavor of these food items. MSG is one of the salt of Glutamate. It is absolutely safe within certain limited quantity. Therefore law does not prohibit the use of MSG. Not only in India, It is used across the world in food industry. Then why is the controversy?
Maggi has been found unfit for consumption due to two reasons. First the presence of lead which is harmful for health. Second is the presence of MSG being projected as injurious to human body. Keeping the first reason aside, MSG factor has gone against Maggie due to the phrase mentioned on the packet “No MSG added”. During the test MSG was found. So the authorities got the reason to find fault with it.This is the lesson whole food industry has learnt So,merely the presence of MSG doesn’t make any food unsafe. However quantity is the prohibiting factor. But this is there with any good item also.
Before the controversy broke out, hardly anyone knew about MSG. Now if someone says not to eat food containing MSG, take it as a superstition and not as a scientifically established fact.If nature has decided to mix it with vegetables and fruits, it is bound to be harmless.