One curious KFC patron claimed she was astonished to find out one of the fast food chain’s hidden ingredients because she thought the item had been outlawed.
So The Secret’s Out?
The New Zealander woman posted a picture of a spice packet with the caption, “COLONEL SANDERS’ RECIPE Kentucky Fried Chicken Seasoning.”
The infamous chain’s “secret herbs and spices” aren’t the only ingredients listed on the label, which also lists the contentious salt MSG (monosodium glutamate).
The client was incensed and expressed her fury on social media, which sparked a contentious discussion about the well-liked food.
She said on Facebook, “It’s like salt on crack.”
The news that MSG was the hidden ingredient in KFC’s original recipe chicken shocked some Facebook users, while others thought it was acceptable in moderation.
I’ve seen a couple stories about MSG or the syndrome from Chinese restaurants. Majority of it was a racist attack on ethnic communities by some people! Moderation is key here! The same thing as umami seasoning, a woman retorted.
Another person commented, “I’m positive that MSG has never been prohibited, and all the misconceptions regarding it being dangerous for you to have been debunked.”
KFC acknowledged using MSG.
The fried chicken company claims on its website that “some of our cuisines does include MSG, but rest assured, it’s only present at levels that are safe for the general population.”
It is a well-known flavour enhancer that naturally occurs in foods including cheese, milk, vegetables, fruits, and meat.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand claims to have studied MSG for four decades and found it to be safe.
According to the organization’s website, a 2003 study of the safety of MSG by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) found “no persuasive evidence that MSG is a significant contributor in triggering systemic reactions resulting in serious disease or mortality.”
‘In Australia and New Zealand, no food additive — including MSG — is approved for use in food until its safety has been established by FSANZ.
‘MSG and other glutamates are among a group of food additives that are generally permitted in foods, due to their safety.’
No food additive, including MSG, is authorized for use in food in Australia and New Zealand until FSANZ has determined its safety.
Due to their safety, a range of food additives, including MSG and other glutamates, are typically allowed in foods.
What is MSG?
A flavour enhancer known as monosodium glutamate (MSG) is frequently used in restaurant cuisine, canned vegetables, soups, deli meats, and other foods. MSG is a food additive that is generally regarded as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, there is still disagreement over how to use it. Because of this, the FDA mandates that MSG be disclosed on the label whenever it is added to food.
MSG has long been used as a food ingredient. The FDA has during the course of this time received several reports of alarming reactions that people have linked to eating foods that contained MSG. These symptoms, referred to as the MSG symptom complex, include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Sweating
- Face pressure or tightness
- Numbness, tingling or burning in the face, neck, and arms