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Phuket Poll: Do you mind MSG in your food?

Phuket Poll: Do you mind MSG in your food?

PHUKET: While on holiday in Phuket this coming tourism high season, thousands of tourists will take to the streets to enjoy authentic Thai food from the plethora of street stalls and small restaurants across the island.

healthcultureeconomics
By The Phuket News

Monday 19 October 2015 06:16 PM


Monosodium glutamate (MSG) in crystal form is often added to Thai street food without patrons knowing. Photo: Sage Ross

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) in crystal form is often added to Thai street food without patrons knowing. Photo: Sage Ross

What they might not know is that monosodium glutamate, known simply as MSG, is a common food additive widely used by vendors to improve the taste of their fare.

In Western nations, the debate over whether or not MSG is benign, unhealthy or even possibly fatal has raged on for decades. In Thailand, MSG is more commonly accepted, if not approved, by diners to the point that to avoid it, patrons must specifically say so. But those days may be numbered.

To this, The Phuket News asks: “Do you mind MSG in your food?”

Responses available are:

  • MSG is a killer – it should not be added to any food.
  • Any processed food additives can’t be good for you, so it’s best just to say ‘No, thanks’.
  • MSG is safe as a food additive, but should be consumed in only very small amounts.
  • There’s nothing wrong with adding MSG to improve the taste of food. It does not cause any health issues. Go for it!
  • I really don’t care about MSG.

To cast your vote, click here.

The poll will run online until November 2.