Common Supermarket Foods with Added MSG
Many supermarket products are enhanced with MSG to boost their savoury, or 'umami', flavour. Australian food regulations require that if MSG is added to a packaged food, it must be declared on the ingredient list. The most common indicator is "Flavour enhancer (MSG)" or the code "Flavour enhancer (621)". Other glutamate code numbers (622-625) or flavour enhancer codes (627, 631, 635) also indicate a similar purpose.
Examples of Australian packaged foods often containing added MSG include:
- Snack foods: Flavoured chips, crackers, and savoury biscuits frequently list MSG or other flavour enhancers to boost taste. Chicken salt, a beloved Australian condiment for hot chips, often contains MSG.
- Instant noodles: The flavour sachets in instant noodle packets are a well-known source of added MSG.
- Stock cubes and concentrated liquids: Many stock cubes, powders, and pastes contain MSG to provide a rich, meaty flavour base for cooking.
- Processed meat products: Sausages, processed deli meats, and cured products can have MSG added as a flavour enhancer during manufacturing.
- Sauces and condiments: Certain bottled sauces, gravy mixes, and marinades may list MSG to intensify their flavour profiles.
- Frozen meals: The flavouring in many ready-made, frozen dinners is often enhanced with MSG.
Takeaway and Restaurant Dishes
For food prepared in restaurants, cafes, or takeaway outlets, there is generally no requirement for MSG to be declared. While this is a particular concern for those sensitive to the additive, staff should be able to tell you if MSG is used if you ask.
Common Australian takeaway foods where MSG may be present include:
- Chinese food: It is a misconception that all Chinese food contains MSG, but some restaurants may use it, particularly in stir-fries, soups, and fried dishes.
- Fried chicken: Fast food fried chicken, including that from major chains like KFC, is known to contain added MSG to enhance its savoury flavour.
- Fish and chips with chicken salt: As a common condiment, chicken salt frequently contains MSG.
Naturally Occurring Glutamates in Food
It is important to remember that glutamate, the building block of MSG, occurs naturally in a wide variety of unprocessed foods and is not always an added ingredient. The human body metabolises naturally occurring glutamate and added MSG in the same way.
Foods with naturally high levels of free glutamates include:
- Vegemite and Marmite: These iconic Australian spreads are rich in yeast extract, which is naturally high in glutamates.
- Cheeses: Hard, aged cheeses like parmesan contain high levels of free glutamate.
- Tomatoes: Concentrated tomato pastes and sauces are a rich natural source of umami.
- Mushrooms: These vegetables have naturally high glutamate content.
- Proteins: Meat, fish, and milk all contain naturally occurring bound glutamate.
Comparison: Foods with Added MSG vs. High Natural Glutamate
| Feature | Foods with Added MSG | Foods with High Natural Glutamate |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Artificially produced and added as a flavour enhancer (often derived from fermented starches). | Occurs naturally in the food's proteins as a free amino acid. |
| Labelling | Must be declared on packaged products as 'Flavour enhancer (621)' or similar. | Not required to be labelled, as it's an inherent part of the ingredient. |
| Presence | Found in processed foods like chips, instant noodles, and stocks. | Present in natural ingredients like Vegemite, tomatoes, aged cheese, and mushrooms. |
| Example | Flavour sachet in instant noodles. | Umami taste from parmesan cheese. |
Understanding the Safety and Perception of MSG
Decades of research have confirmed MSG as safe for consumption by the general population. Food standards agencies, including FSANZ, have found no conclusive evidence linking MSG to severe adverse health effects. The notion of "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," a term coined in the 1960s, has been discredited through blinded scientific studies.
However, FSANZ does acknowledge that a very small number of people who are sensitive to a range of foods may experience mild, short-lived hypersensitivity reactions to large quantities of MSG, often when consumed on an empty stomach. These reactions, which can include headaches, flushing, or tingling, do not produce long-lasting effects. If you believe you are sensitive, the best approach is to check labels and, for unpackaged food, inquire directly with the provider.
Conclusion
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a legal and safe food additive widely used in Australia to enhance the savoury flavour of many processed and takeaway foods. By checking the ingredient labels of packaged products for 'Flavour enhancer (621)' and being aware that takeaway outlets are not required to declare its use, consumers can make informed choices about their food. Furthermore, it is important to distinguish between added MSG and the naturally occurring glutamates found in many wholesome ingredients, from Vegemite to parmesan cheese.
For more information on food safety standards, you can visit the official NSW Food Authority website.
