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Dr Jon Bell of the UK Food Standards Agency responds to the Daily Express

MSG worries unfounded says food organisation

Concern has recently been expressed by readers and journalists at the Daily Express about the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on eyesight.

The Japanese study on MSG fed rats 20g of MSG per 100g of feed, an amount that would never be used in cooking - MSG is only used at maximum proportions of 0.1g per 100g for food flavouring.

The Food Standards Agency regularly checks the amounts of all types of food additives eaten by UK consumers to make sure they remain within safe limits. If problems are found, we take action.

Dr Jon Bell
Head of Food Safety
Food Standards Agency
London

Source: Daily Express, 30 October 2002

Providing up-to-date information about glutamate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and umami, including the flavor and taste of monosodium glutamate, as well as the role glutamate plays in our food and our bodies, and its nutritional benefits. IGIS bases its information on the extensive body of scientific evidence which confirms the safety and the benefits of these widely used food ingredients – glutamate and MSG.