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Fact or Fiction? The MSG Controversy

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2005

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Fact or Fiction? The MSG Controversy (2005 Third Year Paper)

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Monosodium glutamate (“MSGâ€) has become one of the most well-known and controversial food ingredients in recent history. Linked to the “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome,†the use of MSG has caused an outpouring of anecdotal evidence alleging adverse effects caused by ingestion of the food ingredient. These claims have been fueled by the popular press which has devoted considerable coverage to the debate surrounding the food additive. Yet, scientific studies have repeatedly indicated that MSG is safe at ordinary levels of consumption for the general population. In response to the controversy, in 1995, the Food and Drug Administration commissioned the FASEB Report to provide a comprehensive review of the monosodium glutamate scientific literature. This paper will examine the history of the MSG debate, including the scientific evidence, the role of the media, the positions of both sides and the response of the FDA.

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Food and Drug Law, MSG

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http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:8846733

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Fact or Fiction? The MSG Controversy… : DASH Story 2014-01-15
I am in the health care field and am eager to stay up to date on issues such as nutrition. I so appreciate access to scholarly articles such as these in order to make informed and educated decisions for myself and my clients. Thank you for making this possible by allowing open access to such materials.
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Fact or Fiction? The MSG Controversy… : DASH Story 2017-03-13
I am a pregnant woman who is trying to find the actual data behind many recommendations given to pregnant women.
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Fact or Fiction? The MSG Controversy… : DASH Story 2016-01-31
I have long believed that MSG was harmful. A recent story on NPR coupled with an article in this morning's Sacramento Bee suggested that MSG has gotten a "bad rap." I googled it, and came upon this article. I am very grateful Harvard made it openly accessible because it is a careful piece of research into an area of public policy. Especially in this day and age, public policy has been driven by non- or even anti-scientific interests. The more of this kind of work you make available the more I think you are fulfilling a public trust to inform public discussion. Thank you!
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Fact or Fiction? The MSG Controversy… : DASH Story 2016-12-20
Thanks: I wanted to see a review of the health effects of MSG from a credible, objective source. This was a well written and informative article. It's nice to know I can buy oyster and hoisin sauce containing MSG and use it in my meals without guilt or worry.