Food Sensitivities~MSG

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Some people have experienced unpleasant symptoms
after consuming foods with MSG. This is
thought to affect about 2% of the population
(fewer than the percentage who have allergic reactions
to other foods).

Watkins adds no MSG to any of its products;
however, MSG does occur naturally in a wide variety
of foods, such as Parmesan cheese, mushrooms
and tomatoes, and is present in flavoring agents
such as hydrolyzed proteins and autolyzed yeast
extracts.

In the case of hydrolyzed protein products (such
as in our Soup Bases and Barbecue Sauces), the
glutamate that is present is the same as that found
in fruits, vegetables, meats and grains. Also, an
8-ounce serving of broiled chicken breast contains
15 times more free glutamate—alleged to be the
cause of “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”—than an
8-ounce serving of processed food containing HVP
(hydrolyzed vegetable protein).