Hyderabad: Following the Maggi fiasco, worried parents these days are asking doctors whether they should give their children noodles.
But what many parents are not clear about is, what is MSG? They are comparing other brands of instant noodles and want to know if they too contain MSG.
Dr S. Ramakrishna, general physician at Kukatpally said, “MSG is monosodium glutamate, a kind of salt which is also called ajinomoto. It is used in Chinese food as a taste enhancer. All packed and processed foods contain it as it makes food look fresher and tastier.”
Hence it is not a single product, but the whole food processing industry depends on MSG to keep food fresh till it reaches the consumer.
Lead, however, can’t be added during processing, said experts, as it is usually found in the water that is used to make the food.
Read: Nutrition-devoid noodles a staple
Senior neurologist Dr S. Chandrashekar said, “The results are inconclusive, hence, it would not be proper to comment, but on the whole lead poisoning can’t be detected immediately as it is a damage over decades. So far, there has not been any confirmed report of poisoning due to any kind of noodles consumed by people. But if it has been found in certain products then the water in the manufacturing area must be checked as lead finds its way through water.”
By and large, all experts state that noodles, instant processed foods like soups, ready-to-eat foods like meat kebabs, chicken rolls and frozen foods have small amounts of MSG. Dr Sunitha Premlata said, “Processed food is not to be had everyday. But these foods have now become comfort foods and due to that, there are rising problems of obesity, bloating and water retention.”
It is important to eat whole grains, fresh vegetables and foods preferably cooked at home or in community kitchens so that these additives will not be added.
