NewIdeaFood
  • News
  • Dinner Tonight
  • Baking
  • Trolley Watch
  • Easy Entertaining
  • Healthy-ish
  • Video
NewIdeaFood
  • News
  • Dinner Tonight
  • Baking
  • Trolley Watch
  • Easy Entertaining
  • Healthy-ish
  • Video
ALDI - DON'T DROWN IN ONE-OFF DISCOUNTS!
Watch 0:15

ALDI - DON'T DROWN IN ONE-OFF DISCOUNTS!

{headline}

{headline}

Apple crumble-infused cider exists and we need it now

Apple crumble-infused cider exists and we need it now

Smarties swaps out packaging for a recyclable option

Smarties swaps out packaging for a recyclable option

Jules Sebastian's must-try Crispy Pork Belly in the Air Fryer!

Jules Sebastian's must-try Crispy Pork Belly in the Air Fryer!

The best dessert innovations to come out of Easter this year

The best dessert innovations to come out of Easter this year

{headline}

{headline}

Quick and easy "popsicle" cake hacks kids will love!

Quick and easy "popsicle" cake hacks kids will love!

Amateur cake decorator reveals STUNNING Woolies wedding cake hack!

Amateur cake decorator reveals STUNNING Woolies wedding cake hack!

Cambridge kids surprise Kate with adorable Mother's Day cake!

Cambridge kids surprise Kate with adorable Mother's Day cake!

{headline}

{headline}

Jules Sebastian sends fans wild with corn rib air fryer recipe

Jules Sebastian sends fans wild with corn rib air fryer recipe

The ultimate collab: Krispy Kreme has revealed its all-new biscoff doughnuts!

The ultimate collab: Krispy Kreme has revealed its all-new biscoff doughnuts!

How to make waffles like Meghan does for Archie!

How to make waffles like Meghan does for Archie!

Woolworths announces "exciting" new change for shoppers

Woolworths announces "exciting" new change for shoppers

Royal pastry chefs share Queen's SECRET cupcake recipe!

Royal pastry chefs share Queen's SECRET cupcake recipe!

New Zealand's best kept secret comes to Maccas!

New Zealand's best kept secret comes to Maccas!

How you can style stalk Khloe Kardashian's iconic cookie jars!

How you can style stalk Khloe Kardashian's iconic cookie jars!

  1. Home
  2. News

Is MSG Illegal in Australia?

Everything you need to know - by Lottie Dalziel
  • 03 Sep 2019
Is MSG Illegal in Australia?

Q: Is MSG illegal in Australia?

A: MSG is not illegal in Australia. Its name was originally tarnished in the 1990s as it was regularly added to food in Chinese restaurants to improve the flavour. By the late 1990s, it was phased out but many people realise but the food additive still exists in some of your favourite foods today. 

What is MSG?

Monosodium glutamate more commonly known as MSG is a food additive. It is derived from the amino acid, glutamic acid. 

msg

Glutamate in the form of MSG or hydrolysed protein is often added to foods as it helps enhance the flavour. Whilst it won’t make up for poor cooking practices or food quality it will help enhance the savoury flavours. It is often found in cheese, tomato pastes, stocks and sauces.

Glutamate occurs naturally in almost all foods include meat, poultry, cheese, milk and many vegetables. It is one of the most commonly found amino acids. The manufactured version of glutamate is MSG. 

MSG has been used in Japanese cooking for thousands of years. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) reviewed the safety of MSG in 2003 concluding ‘there is no convincing evidence that MSG is a significant factor in causing systemic reactions resulting in severe illness or mortality’.

Effect of MSG

There is no conclusive evidence on the impact and effect of MSG. Studies have reported that anywhere from two per cent to 36 per cent of the population are sensitive to MSG. Whilst it is not understood why some people react to MSG the symptoms of sensitivity include:

- Headaches

- Sleep apnea

- Unquenchable thirst

- Bloating

- Diarrhea

- Fatigue

- Joint Pain

- Migraine

- Nausea

- Rapid heartbeat

- Sweating

msg

Can you ask for no MSG?

If you want to avoid MSG double-check the labels before you purchase a product. In Australia, the FSANZ standards require that MSG be marked as the following on nutritional labels as 'Flavour enhancer (MSG)' or 'Flavour enhancer (621)'. If a product contains Flavour enhancer 622, 623, 624 or 625, then the product contains another glutamate additive.

The line gets a bit blurry when you are at restaurants but if asked the chef will be able to explain whether a flavour enhancer has been added.

Lottie Dalziel
Lottie Dalziel
Lottie Dalziel, is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who lives and breathes all things food. When she isn't reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything, you can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.

Subscribe to New Idea-$12 for your first 12 issues!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to New Idea

Subscribe to New Idea-$12 for your first 12 issues!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to New Idea

Recommended to you

ALDI - DON'T DROWN IN ONE-OFF DISCOUNTS!
Watch 0:15

ALDI - DON'T DROWN IN ONE-OFF DISCOUNTS!

{headline}

{headline}

Apple crumble-infused cider exists and we need it now

Apple crumble-infused cider exists and we need it now

Smarties swaps out packaging for a recyclable option

Smarties swaps out packaging for a recyclable option

Jules Sebastian's must-try Crispy Pork Belly in the Air Fryer!

Jules Sebastian's must-try Crispy Pork Belly in the Air Fryer!

The best dessert innovations to come out of Easter this year

The best dessert innovations to come out of Easter this year

{headline}

{headline}

Quick and easy "popsicle" cake hacks kids will love!

Quick and easy "popsicle" cake hacks kids will love!

Amateur cake decorator reveals STUNNING Woolies wedding cake hack!

Amateur cake decorator reveals STUNNING Woolies wedding cake hack!

Cambridge kids surprise Kate with adorable Mother's Day cake!

Cambridge kids surprise Kate with adorable Mother's Day cake!

{headline}

{headline}

Jules Sebastian sends fans wild with corn rib air fryer recipe

Jules Sebastian sends fans wild with corn rib air fryer recipe

The ultimate collab: Krispy Kreme has revealed its all-new biscoff doughnuts!

The ultimate collab: Krispy Kreme has revealed its all-new biscoff doughnuts!

How to make waffles like Meghan does for Archie!

How to make waffles like Meghan does for Archie!

Woolworths announces "exciting" new change for shoppers

Woolworths announces "exciting" new change for shoppers

Royal pastry chefs share Queen's SECRET cupcake recipe!

Royal pastry chefs share Queen's SECRET cupcake recipe!

New Zealand's best kept secret comes to Maccas!

New Zealand's best kept secret comes to Maccas!

How you can style stalk Khloe Kardashian's iconic cookie jars!

How you can style stalk Khloe Kardashian's iconic cookie jars!

NewIdeaFood
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Dietary info
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Dietary info
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • Better Homes and Gardens Shop
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Home Beautiful
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • Airtasker
  • Society One
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from New Idea Food

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to New Idea-$12 for your first 12 issues!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to New Idea