Purpose:
A review of the conclusions reached by regulatory and scientific authorities concerning the safety of MSG.
Research Institution:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Surrey, UK and Food and Nutrition Division, Italy
Scientist(s):
Ronald Walker and John R. Lupien
Results Published:
Journal of Nutrition 2000;130:1049S-1052S.
Conclusion:
The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), after careful review of more than 200 scientific reports evaluated glutamate as "Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) not specified." This meant that the Committee concluded that no upper intake limit was necessary, placing monosodium glutamate in the category of the safest of all food additives.