Maggi controversy boils over: Is MSG harmful for health?
Apart from MSG, samples of Maggi collected of the March 2014 batch had found that it contained 17 parts per million lead, while the permissible limit is only 0.01 ppm.
The recent Maggi controversy has raised some vital questions on the use of the common taste enhancer in packaged food products - MSG or Monosodium Glutamate.
What is Monosodium Glutamate or MSG?
Ever thought why fast food or packaged food products like Maggi always leave you wanting for more? One of the main reasons for this peculiar taste that tantalises your taste buds is the MSG factor in it. Most packaged food products or even food served in restaurants contain some level of MSG in it that enhances the overall flavour of the food.
MSG, the sodium salt of glutamic acid is a naturally occurring non-essential amino acids which is found in tomatoes, potatoes, mushrooms and other fruits and vegetables. This popular additive is known to be excitotoxins that are excitatory amino acids, affecting some of the sensitive neurons in the brain.
Does MSG have harmful effects?
Although the FDA has declared MSG as safe for human consumption in limits, it has not enjoyed a very good reputation. Experts suggest against the use of MSG but its side effects are not scientifically proven. Some health experts have termed it as carcinogenic, leading to toxic effects on the human body.
According to The Health Site, MSG inhibits neurological functions like memory and learning. If consumed for a longer term, it may cause neuronal death leading to panic attacks, seizures and dizziness. Children who consume products with excessive MSG may suffer from behavioural problems while hyperactivity issues are observed in adults who consume 2.5 mg/g doses of MSG every alternative day.
Some research studies suggest that continual use of MSG causes accumulation of fat in the liver, also called as steatosis, which may lead to inflammatory effects on the liver.
Epidemiological studies state that MSG, when included in your daily diet, may put you at a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertension, diabetes and loss of appetite.
Other common symptoms of consuming excess MSG include headaches and muscular tenderness.
Are there any other harmful ingredients found in Maggi?
MSG is not the only harmful ingredient found in Maggi. A case was lodged last week against Nestle India by the Uttar Pradesh food regulator FSDA in a local court at Barabanki over safety standards of this popular food product. Samples of Maggi collected of the March 2014 batch had found that it contained 17 parts per million lead, while the permissible limit is only 0.01 ppm.
What next for Maggi?
So far, Maggi has been banned in several states including Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand. In Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand, the sale of Maggi has been banned for three months while in Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir, the ban will continue for the next one month. Delhi has banned the product for 15 days while the Telangana government banned it before the results were out. Globally, Maggi has been banned in Singapore on the direction of its Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority.