E number guide

This article is a fantastic summation of MSG issues. I like it mainly because it lists a whole load of “hidden” places MSG can be found on food labels, which whilst US based I’m sure is relevant globally. Also great is a list of possible symptoms that MSG has been related to.

Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, was thought of as a “miracle food enhancer” when it was first introduced to the public over five decades ago.

More than just a seasoning like salt and pepper, MSG could actually enhance the flavors of foods, making processed meats and frozen dinners taste fresher and smell better, salad dressings more tasty, and canned foods less tinny. (more…)

This is the first in a random series (a false statement if I ever heard one). I’m looking beyond the technical and official sites to see what people are talking about on their websites in relation to e-numbers and additives.

I stumbled across this posting on a site called “hint of sarcasm” where the poster poses the question “Could 3/4 (maybe more depending on my mood) packets a day of brain haemorrhaging snacks lead to a slow, painful death for me?”.

I’d say yes, but then I would, I’m biased. But not only would the MSG content of your diet be bad, but so would the actual food content of them. Unfortunately when potato is fried it contains something called acrylamide, a chemical which is classified as a probable human carcinogen. So these damn tasty snacks get worse and worse I’m afraid!

As for the Monosodium Glutamate (E621) how much is safe? Well, I’ve tried to research that one and come up a blank. The manfacturers and food companies would have us believe it is perfectly safe, on the over hand there is an ocean of arguements to say otherwise. Personally, I try to avoid it totally.

Crisp makers are defending their products in Ireland after it was revealed that 7% of children there consume at least one packet a day. This is part of the blame for childhood obesity. The defense of the manufacturers is that crisps are natural products make from natural nutritional ingredients. Jennifer Allen from the Limerick post rubbishes this saying that “while the crisps may have started off as natural raw ingredients, the nutrition is largely lost through processingâ€?.
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