Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) continues to have a bad reputation and this time a city-based councillor, has waged a war against the use of MSG in Chinese cuisine. Devendra Amberkar, opposition leader in the BMC, has moved the notice of motion in this regard, which is expected to be discussed in September.
What's MSG & its symptoms?
In his motion, Amberkar has raised concerns over the use of MSG, the sodium salt of glutamic acid, one of the most abundant naturally occurring non-essential amino acids. "We have received complaints regarding MSG that causes health issues like headache, nausea, sweating, weak bones, chest pain, etc. It does taste good, but there is a little awareness about its side effects. Hence, I have moved the motion seeking it to be converted into corporation's resolution," Amberkar said.
Campaign against the use of MSG products
Amberkar said he also plans to launch a campaign in his constituency in Andheri, against hoteliers/eatery owners, who use MSG in food. "It will take a few weeks for the House to convert my motion into a resolution. Once that is done, the civic chief will have to clear it, which will again take a few months. While the corporation does this for the entire city, I plan to launch a campaign against the use of MSG-products. We are chalking out details of the campaign," Amberkar said.
Expertsspeak
A former senior civic health official said, "The MSG is carcinogenic. If consumed over a longer period of time, it can cause cancer." Sarang Apte, doctor, said, "If consumed in excess, the ingredient produces toxic effects."
Is it safe?
It is a salt prepared using lycopene, a red pigment in tomato. If consumed in excess, it can lead cancer relating colon, rectal and stomach. Experts suggest against the use of MSG but its side effects are not scientifically proven. The US Food and Drug Administration considers the addition of MSG to foods to be 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS).
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