Truth in Labeling Campaign Blog
The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about MSG and manufactured free glutamate
Reactions to MSG and other sources of manufactured free glutamate are reactions to poison. They’re not allergic reactions, and the rules for allergies don’t apply.
You may hear people refer to an “MSG allergy,” but that’s incorrect. And allergists aren’t the ones to ask about your reactions to MSG.
By and large, reactions to MSG are sensitivity reactions to a toxin, not allergic responses. That’s probably why the Glutes suggest seeing an allergist if you think you’re having a problem with MSG because allergists have no tests for sensitivities. The only test for MSG (or any other sensitivity) is a challenge — ingesting the substance and waiting to see what happens. So, most allergists will tell you that you’re not allergic to MSG, which would be true.
We’ve had reports from a handful of people who said they tested positive for an MSG-allergy but it’s not common.
If you have questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you. If you have hints for others on how to avoid exposure to MfG, send them along, too, and we’ll put them up on Facebook. Or you can reach us at questionsaboutmsg@gmail.com and follow us on Twitter @truthlabeling.