Glutamate in the form of MSG or hydrolysed protein is often added to foods as it helps enhance the flavour. Whilst it won’t make up for poor cooking practices or food quality it will help enhance the savoury flavours. It is often found in cheese, tomato pastes, stocks and sauces.
Glutamate occurs naturally in almost all foods include meat, poultry, cheese, milk and many vegetables. It is one of the most commonly found amino acids. The manufactured version of glutamate is MSG.
MSG has been used in Japanese cooking for thousands of years. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) reviewed the safety of MSG in 2003 concluding ‘there is no convincing evidence that MSG is a significant factor in causing systemic reactions resulting in severe illness or mortality’.
Is MSG Illegal in Australia?
Everything you need to know
- by
Lottie Dalziel
Q: Is MSG illegal in Australia?
A: MSG is not illegal in Australia. Its name was originally tarnished in the 1990s as it was regularly added to food in Chinese restaurants to improve the flavour. By the late 1990s, it was phased out but many people realise but the food additive still exists in some of your favourite foods today.
What is MSG?
Monosodium glutamate more commonly known as MSG is a food additive. It is derived from the amino acid, glutamic acid.