Does anyone know anything about the use of the food additive MSG (monosodium glutamate) in the UK?

Question:

I will be travelling to the UK, and I am highly allergic to the food additive MSG. In the US, the government requires all foods that carry this additive to show it on the labelling, at least in the ingredients list. I MUST not eat it or I will go into anaphylactic shock, and I carry TWO epinephrine injections with me at all times just in case. It would be nice to EAT while on vacation, so any help, links or info would be greatly appreciated.

Answers:
This can be a problem becase the restaurants do not use it directly, but it comes in sauces they use. They have good intentions, but they can inadvertenly give you MSG. Myself and my mother get migraine headaches from MSG, so we know from personal experience.
Have you looked into where you are going and if there are any vegan or natural restaranunts (not ones that serve vegetarian but entire vegetairan) around the area? That might be your best bet. A totally natural restaurant where they are picky about everything they use for all food. Also more expensive restaurants where they rely on fresh herbs and vegtables rather than short cuts might be better. I am sure it is going to be hard without knowing what you are getting. Stay away from asian food however and also any junk or fast food. With anaphylaxis you cannot afford to make a mistake as you know it could be deadly. Plan ahead and read about restaurants in the area you are visiting before you go.

Other Answers:
As far as I'm aware, it's always listed in the ingredients list although it's not picked out and highlighted in the "allergy advice" section which is now found on a lot of foods.

Avoid all Chinese takeaways!
Hey look it's Jen who doesn't like sex! MSG is a very common additive in the UK too. Often used in Japanese and Chinese food, but can be found in many products. It is also listed on the ingredients of products, but its going to be very hard for you to eat out, without being sure you don't have any in ur meal.

Basically it enhances anything savoury It is in some of our foods but mostly the ingredients are listed on the packaging so you shouldn't have any problems there. A lot of ingredients are listed by "E" numbers so look out for E621 which is MSG

If eating out, you may come across it in Chinese restaurants.just ask them not to use it and they will gladly comply. MSG is a flavour enhancer!!and is widely used in chinease and in usa -inform a any resturant you eat in that you CAN NOT TOLERATE this in your food! i did chinease cookery at college which every recipe its in!! but its dangerous and when pregnant gave me palpitations! it is totally unecessary and is really used for a flavour enhancer for bland or crap food!

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Does anyone know anything about the use of the food additive MSG (monosodium glutamate) in the UK?

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