Know MSG Campaign Aims to Combat Stigmas, Calls out Misinformation

Ajinomoto Co., Inc., a leading producer of MSG committed to championing science and setting the record straight on the ingredient, today announced a new campaign to address the heart of MSG’s perception problem in the US: xenophobia-born misinformation. With the reveal of a new “Know MSG” symbol designed by acclaimed Chinese-born graphic artist Zipeng Zhu, the campaign calls into question the problematic and pervasive “No MSG” signs that have reinforced baseless anti-MSG stigma for decades.

In response to recent research that shows most MSG avoiders lack real knowledge of the ingredient and in a moment when Americans are demanding facts over fear and questioning myriad misinformed historical symbols, the new emblem and campaign urge people get to know MSG and reconsider it. Additional aspects of the movement include:

• An MSG-boasting product collaboration between long-time MSG advocate, cooking enthusiast and mother to Chrissy Teigen, Pepper Teigen, popularly known as “Pepper Thai” and innovative Asian food brand Omsom, available spring 2021.
• The launch of Know MSG, an educational hub for accurate information on MSG where visitors can download “Know MSG” graphics, request “Know MSG” stickers and sign up to be alerted when the Pepper Teigen x Omsom product drops.

“Many people don’t know that MSG is plant-derived, made through fermentation and inherently present in lots of vegetables, meats and cheeses,” said Tia M. Rains, PhD, Vice President of Customer Engagement & Strategic Development at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, North America. “In fact, recent research shows that MSG may be used to improve the flavor of food while lowering sodium. We can’t appreciate MSG for its many benefits until we get past the stigma.”

Despite MSG’s 110-year history of safety validated by health organizations across the globe, lingering skepticism fueled by personal anecdotes and poorly conducted research in the 1970s has unfairly stigmatized the ingredient. For decades, the “No MSG” symbol that pervades restaurant windows, grocery shelves and food products has perpetuated the false perception of MSG as dangerous and driven Americans away from enjoying an ingredient that adds savory umami taste to food.

“The ‘No MSG’ symbol is rooted in xenophobia, so it’s time for a change,” said Zhu. “No one had a problem with MSG until it was associated with the unsubstantiated idea of ‘Chinese Restaurant Syndrome’ in the 1960s. Tell me – why would a person get a headache from eating MSG in Chinese food, but not from eating American chips or soups or pasta Alfredo? We eat lots of delicious foods every day that have MSG.”

Across the globe, MSG is a common pantry staple, widely enjoyed as an umami seasoning. Pepper Teigen’s family has been cooking with MSG for decades.

“Dinner guests will tell me, ‘oh, I don’t do MSG’ and then they take home leftovers of my MSG-seasoned meal,” said Pepper Teigen. “It just makes everything taste better. People should know the truth.”

“We grew up on MSG and are so stoked to help change the xenophobic narrative surrounding the ingredient,” says Kim Pham, co-founder of Omsom. “This dish starter will celebrate MSG and hopefully become a must-have in pantries across the nation, sitting right between the tomato sauce and olive oil. We’re excited for it to proudly wear the new ‘Know MSG’ symbol on the packaging!”

Click here for information about MSG safety, science and benefits and for more about the campaign.