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From: ellen@ucla-cs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.cooks
Subject: Re: Vegatable Dip (Really MSG)
Message-ID: <5700@ucla-cs.ARPA>
Date: Tue, 28-May-85 12:36:26 EDT
Article-I.D.: ucla-cs.5700
Posted: Tue May 28 12:36:26 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 1-Jun-85 11:39:55 EDT
References: <357@ttidcb.UUCP> <449@mtunh.UUCP>
Reply-To: ellen@ucla-cs.UUCP (Ellen Perlman)
Organization: UCLA Computer Science Department
Lines: 50

I don't think that I'm particularly sensitive to MSG, 'tho' on occasion,
I feel rather unpleasantly light-headed after a Chinese meal.  My SO, on the
other hand, is quite sensitive, and gets terrible headaches, so can this
"is a crock" crap.  In fact, the number of people sensitive to MSG is not 
minute, 'tho' naturally degree of sensitivity varies.  

Having lived for almost two years in Indonesia, I can say that MSG is used
there, along with a variety of food additives which are known health hazards,
because the government doesn't care and the people are not educated well,
especially in this area.  Because it is a Third World country, the people
look to chemicals as a way of becoming more modern ("Better Living Through
Chemistry"), so food is often FLUORESCENT in color (no, I am NOT exaggerating),
soda pop smells like the deodorant used in ladies' johns (I am less experienced
with men's johns) (that disgusting "cherry-strawberry" smell), and
various brands of MSG are advertised on TV by famous stars.  i believe the
government has banned advertising on TV since i was there, because is was
developing unrealistic expectations in the people.  the country has an annual
average income of somewhere around $500.  yes, $500 annually, and i guess that
millionaires are included in the average.  if you are upper middle class
(and the middle class is about as large as the upper class), you might own a
Vespa (what luxury!) so that Dad, Mom, and several of the kids (families
average 5-7 children) can go out for a ride (yes, all at once on the Vespa).

I discovered previously unknown food allergies to artificial flavorings,
while i was there (when they didn't use the flavored, but uncolored syrup in
the fruit drink, i had no reaction).  and in this country, i see packages of
MSG sold in the Thai markets in Thai lettered packages.  This may be a recent
phenomenon, but it is common.

Another common allergy, which is often LIFE-THREATENING, is to bisulfiting
agents.  This was described on 60 Minutes about 2 years ago.  The allergy
causes loss of breath, constriction of the chest, an asthma-like attack,and
has caused death.  Bisulfites are used to keep fruits and vegetables from
turning brown after being cut.  The food is then dipped in a solution of
bisulfites and water, as soon as it is cut.  This is common in restaurants,
where they are cut long before cooking, and sit around all day in little
metal trays wilting.  Ah! but with the miracle of chemistry, they won't LOOK
wilted.  However, bisulfites are common in frozen and canned foods, especially
prepared potatoes.  They are listed on the label of packaged foods, but
restaurants do not let the customers know that bisulfites are being used.
In fact, because these chemicals are sold under a variety of brand names to
restaurants, the employees often do not even know what they are using, and
if you ask them, they will say that they are not used, even when they are!
In Germany, the artificial colors & flavors, and other chemical additives
are listed RIGHT ON THE MENU in restaurants!! (At least they were 10 years 
ago when i was there).  Seems like a good idea to me.  Most people know
what their food allergies are and can be selective, but chemical allergies
are trickier and just as unpleasant.

Bon Appetit!