Artwork: Hannah Lui
Is MSG actually bad for you?
The FDA has classified MSG as generally safe, and yet, 42% of American consumers actively avoid MSG. The misconception that MSG is unhealthy is not driven by rigorous, reliable research, but rather, anti-Asian sentiment and xenophobia.
What is MSG?
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a common food additive used as a flavor enhancer. It is a seasoning often found in processed foods and Asian cuisine. Its association with Chinese food comes from a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine entitled, “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.”
Asian Hate
Because of “Chinese restaurant syndrome,” many consumers negatively associate MSG with Chinese cuisine. Although MSG is present in many kinds of foods, its association with Chinese cuisine has turned it into a negative racist stereotype.
Debunking The Myth
The original letter to the New England Journal of Medicine was mostly conjecture, and several studies have debunked “Chinese restaurant syndrome.” Any health complications associated with MSG are not from MSG itself, but rather, the processed foods it is added to.
The Stakes
Asian hate crimes have risen significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just like with MSG, coronavirus became negatively associated with Chinese Americans and contributed to persisting racial stereotypes. Debunking the MSG myth reveals one of the many instances of internalized xenophobia in America.
The Bottom Line
MSG is not a health hazard. Asian hate is.
Understanding the truth about MSG demonstrates how deeply rooted xenophobia is in America.
Original graphic: https://create.piktochart.com/output/9010094ccd12-msg-research-poster-final-draft
Previous draft of graphic (contains more writing):