MSG-Four good rules of thumb for finding MSG in your food

Four good rules of thumb are:

• The more salty a processed food is, the more likely it is to contain MSG or free glutamate. 
• The more processed a food is, the more likely it is to contain MSG or free glutamate:  powdered stuff that used to be food is likely to have added MSG because the original flavor has been degraded, AND processing concentrates and frees glutamate already bound and present.
• The more ingredients in a packaged food, the more likely MSG is present.  Read labels carefully . Time is money.  If a food has more than five ingredients and you don't have half an hour to read one ingredient label - put it back on the shelf - you'll be better off.
• Do not trust something simply because it is in a health food store and the label states it is natural or even organic. The US allows "natural flavors" to include protein hydrolysates which can contain up to 20% MSG by weight.  A distinction without a difference.

   Sadly I just read a post about teas with MSG so I went to my pantry and found several Celestial Seasonings with natural flavors that did not specify what they were.  I sent an email to them but so far have not heard anything.  Is it MSG?  I don't know but if you can't state what your ingredient is and feel it necessary to use obscure ingredients like spices and flavoring etc. I will simply avoid them.  

   On an actions note I sent an email and letter to President Obama asking that labels on our food be made clear for the consumers benefit not the benefit of food producers.  I am challenging anyone who is interested in knowing what is really in their foods to do the same.  Truth in labeling also put forth that challenge for me on their facebook page, thanks.

Until next time

Happy shopping

Pame