Community | August 03, 2008 | 4 comments

1 in 8 Chinese meals packed with dangerous chemical

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JanaPokana
One in eight Chinese meals prepared by Scottish takeaways and restaurants contains illegal levels of a chemical flavouring that can cause an "extremely distressing" reaction in diners, a new survey by health watchdogs reveals.

The use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in Chinese cooking is strictly restricted by food additive regulations that were introduced over a decade ago. According to the Government regulations, MSG levels must not exceed a concentration of 1% in order to prevent allergic reactions (burning skin, heart palpitations and headaches) commonly known as "Chinese restaurant syndrome".

As part of the new survey, 181 Chinese meals were analysed; 22 samples (12%) contained MSG above the statutory level, while a further nine (5%) were close to the limit. Shockingly, two samples contained twice the limit and one three times the limit.

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