Dangers of Certain Food Additives
Wellness and Nutritional Education Need Closer Attention
A random check of food products sold in Philippine shops and supermarkets will reveal that many brands still use monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial colorings, flavorings, additives, preservatives and other chemicals that may put one’s health at risk when taken habitually over a long period of time.
Among the food products that contain such additives are potato chips and similar snack products or what others refer to as junk food; hotdogs, bacon, tocino (sweetened pork meat), longganisa (native chorizo or sausages) , and similarly processed meat products; sauces, condiments and other food enhancers (i.e. seasonings in granules, pork flavorings, bouillon, etc.); and even juices and beverages.
Do We Really Need MSG?
While there are still continuing debate on the effects of many food additives, there are already studies that support the campaign against the use of, say, MSG.
According to the article “Free Glutamic Acid: Sources and Dangers” from Noha News, Spring 2000 issue, “Monosodium glutamate and other forms of free glutamic acid are neurotransmitters “that excite our neurons (not just in our tongues). This electrical charging of neurons is what makes foods with added free glutamic acid taste so good. Unfortunately, the free glutamic acid can cause problems in many people. Actually, our brains have many receptors for glutamic acid and some areas, such as the hypothalamus, do not have an impermeable blood-brain barrier, so free glutamic acid from food sources can get into the brain, injuring and sometimes killing neurons.”
MSG reactivity is also sometimes called the "Chinese Food Syndrome" because some people have attested to experiencing severe migraines after eating Chinese food (which are often cooked with MSG). Other conditions that are supposedly caused by MSG sensitivity or allergy include flushing, numbness or tingling in or around the mouth, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, muscle tightening, or lightheadedness, and even mood changes.
However, MSG is still very much present in most kitchens and many food products that are being sold here. In fact, the advertisements of the No. 1 brand of MSG are continuously airing in primetime TV. This brand is being portrayed as a permanent fixture in the kitchens of most Filipinos.
Hotdogs are Kids’ Favorites
Also needing closer attention is the diet of young people and how hotdogs and tocino seem always a part of it. Admittedly, these products really taste and look good. The enticing TV and print ads all the more whet the appetite of children whose parents are often too busy to plan and prepare for a well-balanced meal.
While parents always want the best for their children, they are also left with few choices. Usually, those available in most supermarkets would be products that are tainted with food additives and chemicals. Worse, the healthier options would often be more expensive. In a country where the average daily wage is 350 pesos (about US$7.20) only, buying healthier options may look superfluous.
However, a look at the food additives for meat products such as hotdogs and tocino would probably encourage consumers to look for better, healthier, and even cheaper alternatives. According to the article “What is Really in a Hot Dog?”, from SixWise Newsletter October 2006 issue, “Eating lots of processed meats like hot dogs has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Part of that risk is probably due to the additives used in the meats, namely sodium nitrite and MSG.”
Heightening Wellness and Nutritional Education
Clearly, there is much to be desired in the food manufacturing industry. The government and the private sector should work closely to promote better and deeper wellness and nutritional education in the Philippines, starting from the way food is manufactured. The following can be good starting points:
- The government should pass legislation or release guidelines for the use (and non-use) of food additives, preservatives, etc.;
- The food manufacturers should conduct comprehensive research and development so as to avoid/minimize use of food additives that may cause potential harm /risks to human health over prolonged use;
- The media should improve /increase coverage on healthier food choices and lifestyles;
- Schools should include in the curriculum modules/subjects on proper nutrition, food components, and wellness; and
- The consumers should demand better/healthier products from the manufacturers by patronizing only those that use healthier ingredients.
Many say that eating is the next best thing to sleeping (or vice versa). Hopefully, the concerned sectors will work together soon in ensuring that this basic need would not only be enjoyable but also health-giving.
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