MSG controversy: How much is okay?

by Carol Aloysius

Although locally made instant noodles has passed the safety test, with the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) saying samples they tested contained less than 0.3 mg/kg of lead, health officials are still in the

dark as to how much Mono Sodium Glutomate ( MSG) should be permitted not only in instant noodles but in all ready made food, where this flavour enhancing agent is liberally used.

On Wednesday ( June 24) addressing representatives from the Health Ministry, Consumer Affairs Authority, Sri Lanka Standards Institute and National Poisons Information Centre, Director General Health Services ( DGHS), Dr P.G. Maheepala, said that following bans imposed on instant Maggi

Noodles by India and some gulf countries on charges they contained a much higher level of lead and MSG than permitted amounts, the Sri Lanka Food and Drugs Authority had sent samples of all instant noodles in the market to the ITI.

Although the tests showed the amount of lead used was much less than the permissible levels, the Food Advisory Committee of the Health Ministry has decided to check lead levels in all imported noodles in the country with immediate effect as a precautionary measure.

"If any packets of imported instant noodles is found to have an excess of 0.3 mg/kg of lead, they should be removed from the market immediately," a spokesman for the Committee said.

Customs officials said they too were keeping an eye on imports of Maggi noodles to prevent rejected packets in India being smuggled into Sri Lanka.. He said advertising these products too would be suspended until further notice.

Officials however were unsure as to what stance they should take on the issue of MSG in the same products- as well as other food products which also used the flavouring agent..

National Poisons Information Centre Head, Dr Waruna Gunathilike said while he had no doubt regarding the harmful effect that MSG has on the body. guidelines on its use was still a 'grey area'.

"There is clear scientific evidence that it causes medical problems, especially in young children and nowhere do we find any scientific evidence as to how much of it triggers any ill effects. Nor has it been banned in any country as far as I know".

Food and Drugs Authority Director Dr Hemantha Herath said MSG though not banned in food , should be used according to Good Manufacturing Practices( GMP).

He admitted however the absence of specific levels of usage could cause confusion among manufacturers.

Health officials also noted that while MSG had not been officially banned under the Food Act No 26 of 1980, regulations made by the Health Ministry under section 32 of the Food Act , the use of flavour enhancers in noodles and pasta was curtailedHe said so far 10 samples of local instant noodles had been sent to the ITI with another 40 samples to be dispatched in the next few days. "We will send around 300 packets to be samples as soon as possible and will also send some to labs abroad for cross checking", he said.

CAA Director General, J.M Douglas also confirmed that some samples were sent to Singapore and results were expected in the next few days.