Food additive MSG (monosodium glutamate)?

Question

This is a duplicate question - I also asked under "Health, Allergies", but really need all the help I can get.I will be travelling to the UK, and I am highly allergic to the food additive MSG. In the US, the government requires all foods that carry this additive to show it on the labelling, at least in the ingredients list. I MUST not eat it or I will go into anaphylactic shock, and I carry TWO epinephrine injections with me at all times just in case. It would be nice to EAT while on vacation, so any help, links or info would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Excellent answer by Bleh, but in addition to that, I would add, do not eat take-out food or snack foods such as crisps, crackers etc. It is in almost ALL Chinese takeaway, and is also used in fried chicken.

Answer 2

Well in the UK all ingredients must be labelled on food, but sometimes MSG is referred to simply as 'flavour enhancer' or by it's European Union food additive code E621, just avoid foods with these terms and you'll be fine.

In summary, you need to avoid:

'Flavour Enhancer'

'E621'

and sometimes it will actually say 'monosodium glutamate'.

Don't worry food labelling and safety is just as strict in the UK as it is in the US (if not more).

By the way you might be able to find more info at the UK Food Standards Agency website: http://www.food.gov.uk/

Hope you enjoy your visit to the UK.

Answer 3

in the uk? best of luck, I dont like MSG but dont get your reaction, I just get headaches and go stiff. Its not on all labels and they use it in restsrus also so be very very aware. You are best buying fresh food. If you cant pick it , grow it or ctach it dont eat it is my motto

Answer 4

ALL Takeaways & quite alot of restaraunts use it ... Thai & Chineses restauraunts are the worst offenders..

Crisps (Chips), Well - Basically any junk food....  I suppose you could live on salad..  I think even kfc's have it in some of their foods..

Hopefully you should be able to eat the same food here as in the states - Just look closely at the labels..

Enjoy yourself!!