We have had reports of MSG-type reactions from chickens, particularly regarding major suppliers such as Tyson and Perdue.  Realizing that there is a citric acid solution approved for rinsing chickens in the processing procedure for chickens, and that citric acid causes reactions in MSG-sensitive individuals with other than a high tolerance for MSG, we have suggested that people avoid major brands of chickens and purchase organic brands or chickens from local chicken suppliers.  We have also cautioned people to only buy chicken parts, such as breasts and thighs, that have been cut from whole chickens at the store, since many chicken parts are delivered to markets in bulk bags that contain trisodium phosphate.  (Some MSG-sensitive people react to phosphate as if it were processed free glutamic acid (MSG).)  Furthermore, we have suggested that MSG-sensitive people avoid all basted or injected turkeys.

Now we have learned from a November 6, 2007 article in the Washington Post entitled “Crying Foul in Debate Over ‘Natural’ Chicken” that there is cause for additional concern. The article states that about 30% of fresh chickens are now enhanced with some kind of solution, and some of those chickens are labeled “natural.”  The article, by Cindy Skrzycki, discloses that Tyson Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride are injecting chickens with a “solution of ingredients such as salt, broth, and seaweed extract.” According to the article, “Pilgrim’s Pride uses chicken broth, salt, and carrageenan, or seaweed extract.”  The injected ingredients add up to 15% in weight to the chickens.  The article also discloses that Gold’n Plump Poultry, St. Cloud, Minnesota, enhances its chickens, although the ingredients are not disclosed in the newspaper article.

MSG-sensitive people will react to seaweed extract and carrageenan, as well as citric acid.  Also, broth used in solutions injected into poultry may very well contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG).

The above information came to light because smaller chicken producers objected to the fact that Tyson Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride were referring to their injected chickens as “NATURAL.”  Complaints have apparently been made to members of the House of Representatives; and Representative Dennis Cardoza, chairman of the House Agricultural Committee, is considering holding hearings on the issue.  However, it would appear that noone except for the Truth in Labeling Campaign has addressed the issue that processed free glutamic acid (MSG) is included in the solutions being injected into chickens.

As an MSG-sensitive individual, you must read the following two comments, one from the USDA and the other from a chicken processor, which clearly demonstrate how federal regulatory agencies and many food executives think.

Amanda Eamich, a spokeswomen for the Food and Safety Service at the USDA is quoted as saying “...the [injected natural] products are considered minimally processed because a cook can make a similar marinade at home with a fork and a plastic bag.”

Michael Helgeson, chief executive of Gold’n Plump Poultry, St. Cloud, Minnesota, is quoted as stating “We have no issue with chicken that is enhanced.  But it shouldn't be labeled all-natural if you inject it with a solution.”  He added that his company’s enhanced chicken is labeled “extra tender.”

Apparently it is more important to many food industry executives to increase profits than it is to have concern for the health of our nation.

adandjack@aol.com 858/481-9333 http://www.truthinlabeling.org

This page was last updated on November 11, 2007

IF MSG ISN'T HARMFUL, WHY IS IT HIDDEN?