Health and Mind

The Maggi Noodle Controversy: Science Behind the Story

The Maggi Noodle Controversy wrecked the nation on May 20, when food safety regulators tested and revealed the presence of lead and Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) above permissible limits (NDTV, 2015; Mid-day, 2015). 

There is much argument across the media regarding ‘Maggi controversy’ and people are extremely worried about the harmful side-effects of the components found in the packaged product. Not only Maggi, but other packaged consumption foods and “Ready-To-Eat” products, which are often found in some of the kitchen shelves, also contain certain harmful chemicals, which are detrimental for the body. Unknowingly, every day, people are consuming such products, ultimately risking themselves towards unknown health hazards.

Mono Sodium Glutamate and Lead, found in Maggi products, are two such chemicals, which are not only harmful, but also have long-term effects in the human body. Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) also known as Sodium Glutamate is the sodium salt of Glutamic Acid. Before delving deeper into the safety aspects of MSG, it will be beneficial to have a proper understanding of the utility of MSG in foods and of the role of Glutamate in the human body (Yamaguchi 1998).

MSG: 

Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) also known as sodium glutamate (Structure-Fig.1)is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. It is also known as “Aji-no-moto” (Fig.2). Before delving deeper into the safety aspects of MSG, it will be beneficial to have a proper understanding of the utility of MSG in foods and of the role of glutamate in the human body (Yamaguchi 1998). MSG is added in foods as a flavor enhancer and this has been discovered, almost 100 years back in Japan, when this particular amino acid was extracted and purified from a sea-weed and proved to have significant flavor-enhancing properties (Yamaguchi 1998; Lindemann et al. 2002; Ikeda 2002). It has a meaty taste, which is unique from salty, sugary, sourly, and bitter tastes. When MSG is used in the right proportion to low-salt foods, then it can increase the tastiness and satisfactoriness during the period where persons are habituated to low-salt diets (Roininen et al. 1996). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorize MSG under the acronym “GRAS” (generally recognized as safe).

MSG Structure

Source: (By ThereIsNoSteve at English Wikipedia Later versions were uploaded by Rickyp, Pencil ethics, Omfgstfu23 at en.wikipedia. (Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons )

Aji-no-Moto

(Source: By Ninosan (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons)

Side Effects of MSG: 

Though MSG is popular as a flavor enhancer in the United States, it has raised many debates and significant question regarding the allergic responses and safety of its uses. MSG belongs to a debatable class of compounds known as ‘excitotoxins’ (Beyreuther et al. 2007). At greater levels, (much elevated levels what is present in vegetables or processed foods), these excitotoxins have detrimental effects on the central nervous system. Scientists discovered this phenomenon in 1970 and since then there have been constant debates of consumer activists regarding the application of this ingredient in any kind of processed foods. Sources have reported that MSG can cause depression and suicidal tendencies in susceptible persons (Freeman 2006). The so-called ‘Chinese Restaurant Syndrome’ (Schaumburg et al. 1969) may result from sensitivity to low levels of MSG, however serious or irreversible injury is another matter. There are still no confirmed records of any individuals dying, suffering from brain damage, or becoming seriously ill from an overdose of MSG. The USFDA again reviewed the safety of MSG along with the FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) in 1980 and 1995 (Meadows 2003). Both the reports confirmed that MSG is safe for most of individuals at normal levels of usages; however, some persons reported symptoms such as headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or a sensation of warmth. In 2010, one consumer-oriented website described MSG as a ‘silent killer which is worse than alcohol, nicotine, and drugs’. Alternative medicine practitioners presently blame this ingredient for obesity, diabetes, cancer, stroke, insomnia, autism, epilepsy, attention deficiency, depression, fibromyalgia, brain tumors, and migraine (Callahan 2011). So, if there are so much controversy regarding an ingredient, then why use such a chemical in foods just in order to enhance the flavor?

Maggi and MSG connection: 

The permissible limit of MSG in foods has been set by FDA, which is 3gms gm of MSG (less than a full teaspoon) while the greater extent being 5 gm (1 teaspoon)," as informed by the superior clinical dietitian of Health Care at Home India, Kanika Malhotra (Hindustan Times 2015). The recent reports are pointing towards a technicality between Nestle and Indian Food Authority (Scroll 2015). The reports from Indian Express (2015) shows that artificially prepared MSG is not added in Maggi taste makers (Paul Bulcke, Nestle Global CEO, 2015). Bulcke, in a press conference in Delhi, made it clear, that Maggi is safe for consumption, while discussing about its ban in a press conference and reiterated that Nestle did not breached any worldwide safety standards. This caused a major controversy among the situation, where several tests were being conducted at different states for the safety levels of Maggi. The present condition and the findings has spread like a fire all over the nation. It seems the melodrama has come to an end when the Central food safety authority has given it a final call and has ordered Nestle to recall all different types snack from the Indian consumer market (Hindustan Times 2015). Though the company has conducted its own internal tests, and proved the product safe and compliant to Indian standards, however they failed to satisfy the authority. They have appeared in front of the juries. This whole episode has served as a big corporate blow to the company. As the company and food safety authorities try to settle their part, the favorite Maggi remain off the store shelves and we are ultimately deprived of the two minutes snack.