Hi: Please help me, my friend is very sensitive to MSG What is MSG, and how do I read labels to find it in grocery items. I always thought it was a salt, but I guess I am wrong. When shopping what should I look for.
Thanks from Canada

Chemically MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid - M ono S odium G lutamate. It's used as a "flavor enhancer" - supposed to make things taste better. Here in the USA the FDA requires that it be listed among the ingredients on the label of any food in which it is used.

Thanks for your help.
flo from Canada

I have a son who's sensitive to MSG,too. Over the years it's become automatic to look for the MSG on the label. Most often anymore, there's a "no msg" on the front if it isn't in there. Prepared meats, or entree w/meat component is where we found it most often and avoided by using locally grown meats. Occurs often in Chinese food, too, esp in soy sauce.

Some people who are sensitive to MSG report getting headaches after ingesting foods with this additive.