Rethinking the Role of MSG in Modern Cooking: Separating Fact from Fiction The history of monosodium glutamate (MSG) is complex and marked by controversy.
Its introduction to Western cuisines was met with skepticism and fear mongering, leading to widespread misconceptions about its safety and effects on human health.
Understanding MSG: A History of Controversy and Misconceptions MSG's origins date back to the early 20th century when Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda isolated glutamate from seaweed.