Monday, May 3, 2010

MSG in Morningstar Vegetarian Products

This posting deserves a yucky face...


My 10 year old daughter recently had severe migraines. MSG can cause migraines, among other bad things.
If you want to avoid MSG in processed soy products, buy Lightlife products.

The following ingredients ALWAYS contain MSG:
Hydrolyzed protein,
Sodium caseinate
Yeast extract, Maltodextrin
Autolyzed yeast
Textured protein
Calcium caseinate
Yeast food
Hydrolyzed oat flour
Spice Extractives

These two OFTEN contain MSG:
Natural flavorings
Food seasonings

If MSG is contained in an ingredient that is listed on a food label, it doesn't have to be labeled by itself.

My daughter is vegetarian like me and she likes eating products like Chik Patties and Sausage Patties from Morningstar Farms. I contacted Morningstar Farms to ask about MSG in their products... such as the Chik Patties and Sausage Patties... here is their response. Notice how they say "small amounts". That is interesting because you only need a small amount of MSG, a sprinkle, and that is still enough to be unhealthy.

Morningstar Farms® Consumer Affairs 020901656A ...
From: "kellogg@casupport.com" ... Add to Contacts To: lonicaeisenbraun@yahoo.com

KELLOGG'S

Hello Lonica,

Thank-you for contacting us concerning the monosodium glutamate (MSG) used in some of our products. Our nutritionists and food scientists work very hard to develop products that are acceptable for our consumers. Small amounts of MSG are used in the product to achieve the desired taste and texture. We would never use an ingredient that is unsafe for our consumers. The Food and Drug Administration, the National Academy of Science, and the American Medical Association all have affirmed the safety of MSG. Even so we understand there is a limited population who have shown a sensitivity to it. Glutamate occurs naturally in protein-containing foods such as cheese, milk, mushrooms, meat, fish, and many vegetables. Glutamate is also produced by the human body and is vital for metabolism and brain function. We are sorry to learn that this ingredient has caused concern for you. We will share your comments with our food development teams. We do have many other products that do not contain MSG that you might enjoy. Thanks, again, for your inquiry. We hope you will find this information helpful.

Best of health,
Mark A. Suriano Consumer Specialist Consumer Affairs

TLXMAS01/cl 020901656A


With 4 children in our family, we are always researching the healthiest options for everyone. Click the picture of our baby below to see the Organic Baby Clothing.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Did elminating MSG help your daughter's migraines? I've just started researching the MSG - mgraine connection because my 9 year old son is suffering terrbily and I have started to limit his intake as must as I can. It's too soon to tell but was hoping to hear how it worked for you. Thanks!

Lonica said...

We went from having the products every day, sometimes more than once, to having only once every couple of weeks. We also switched to TOFURKY for sandwiches and that seems to be fine to have every day. They have said in their statements that they do not use MSG. She has occasional migraines now, but not often. Also, taking vitamin B12 and Iron seem to help.