Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Determination: Analysis Methods in Food Products

What is Monosodium Glutamate? Usage, Reliability, Hazards...

What is monosodium glutamate (MSG)?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), popularly known as “Chinese Salt”, is an additive used in many foods. Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. While glutamic acid is used to regulate acidity in foods, its salts are used to give flavor. MSG is one of the most commonly used salts.

MSG, which has the code E621, stimulates the nerves responsible for taste and causes the desire to eat more. MSG is used more than glutamic acid in food production because it dissolves quickly and easily.

Is MSG Safe?

It can be obtained from vegetable proteins such as gluten and soy protein, as well as from molasses by bacterial fermentation.

MSG is a legal additive in EU and Turkish legislation. It is recommended that MSG should not be used in prepared foods for infants under 12 months of age. Although this has led to a debate on the use of MSG, the FDA has stated that “MSG is safe for most people in certain amounts”. However, it causes the so-called “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” with symptoms such as headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating and edema.

Use in Foods

MSG stimulates the “umami” taste in addition to the 4 basic tastes: sweet, sour, bitter and salty. MSG is mostly used in many processed foods such as soups, ready meals, chips, sauces and canned foods.

Within the scope of the Turkish Food Codex Communiqué on Food Additives Other Than Colorants and Sweeteners, the daily consumption rate of glutamic acid and its salts is specified as 0.10 g / kg.

Why is MSG Determination in Food Products?

1. Legal Compliance: Food legislation limits the amount of MSG that can be used in foods. Analysis checks compliance with these limits.
2. Consumer Information: Analysis is required to confirm the accuracy of the amount of MSG on product labels.
3. Health and Safety: It is important to control the amount in products due to concerns that excess MSG consumption can lead to health problems.
4. Prevention of Cheating and Counterfeiting: Detection is ensured if MSG is used without labeling.

Nano-lab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Determination. We also provide services in the determination of Food Additives.

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