*This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
1993.03.02 :  Monosodium Glutamate

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS                               
Contact: Brad Stone (202) 205-4144
March 2, 1993

     FDA TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING ON MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG)

    FDA today announced that it will hold a public meeting on April
7, 1993, on the food ingredient monosodium glutamate (MSG) and
related glutamates.  The meeting is being organized by the
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB),
under a contract with FDA, to provide a public forum for submission
of scientific data on the safety of MSG.  The meeting will be at
FASEB's Chen Auditorium, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Md.
    MSG has been used widely as a food ingredient for many years
and has been generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA.  However,
the agency has received numerous anecdotal reports of adverse
health effects associated with the consumption of MSG or other
glutamates, and believes it could be that some sensitive people may
suffer reactions if they consume significant quantities.   
Speculation about these possible effects has caused concern about
MSG among segments of the public. 
    As part of FDA's ongoing evaluation of the safety of GRAS
substances, including MSG, the agency sponsored two extensive
evaluations by FASEB -- in 1978 and 1980 -- to review MSG's safety. 
Both studies concluded that MSG was safe at current use levels.
      In September 1992, the agency asked FASEB to evaluate the
current scientific data related to alleged adverse reactions to
MSG.  FASEB published a preliminary report in February 1993 and
determined that some additional data are required for its final
report.  A second part of this study, due to be completed around
March 1994, will evaluate scientific data pertaining to the
biological effects of MSG consumption.  The April 7 meeting is
designed to solicit additional data and information for use by
FASEB in preparing its final report.  
    Anyone wishing to make a presentation at the public meeting
should submit a written request to Life Sciences Research Office,
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 9650
Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3998, and to Dockets Management
Branch (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, Room 1-23, 12420
Parklawn Dr., Rockville, MD 20857.  The request must be received no
later than March 19, *This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
1993.  Anyone who is unable to attend the
meeting but would like to submit data for consideration should    
provide two written copies of the material to FDA and FASEB (at the
above addresses) on or before April 5, *This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
1993. 
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