Widespread use in Darwin eateries and market stalls of the "food enhancer" monosodium glutamate (MSG) is claimed by a person who has returned to the city after years away. Because this person suffers headaches whenever food containing MSG is eaten, what amounted to a survey of Darwin eating places was conducted. Just about "every" food outlet reported using MSG, even in the preparation of steak.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) cites "overwhelming evidence from a large number of scientific studies" to explicitly deny any link between MSG and "serious adverse reactions" or "long-lasting effects", declaring MSG "safe for the general population". It does, however, describe that in less than 1% of the population, sensitive individuals may experience "transient" side effects such as "headache, numbness/tingling, flushing, muscle tightness, and generalised weakness" to a large amount of MSG taken in a single meal, which became known as the Chinese Restaurant Syndrome . People who consider themselves sensitive to MSG are encouraged to confirm this through an appropriate clinical assessment.
Standard 1.2.4 of the Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code requires the presence of MSG as a food additive to be labelled in packaged foods. The label must bear the food additive class name (e.g., flavor enhancer), followed by either the name of the food additive, MSG, or its International Numbering System (INS) number, 621. Out of respect and concern for customers, the person who conducted the Darwin survey suggests all food outlets should clearly indicate in menus or by signs on stalls if MSG is used in preparation of meals .
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