KARIMNAGAR: Roadside Chinese fast food centres are extensively using monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in Maggi noodles manufactured by Nestle, in quantities higher than permitted for enhancing taste of snacks such as noodles, vegetarian and non-vegetarian manchurian. This was established by food safety authorities of the district two months back, much before the ongoing Maggi row.

Karimnagar city has over 100 fast food centres, which use liberal doses of MSG, locally known as aji-no-moto, in every snack that they prepare, flouting safety norms. It is an open secret.

They use around 50 ppm of MSG in every snack as they are not aware of its adverse effects on health. This has become a cause of concern for many, after Nestle’s Maggi noodles were found having high content of MSG.

District food safety designated officer P. Pretam Kumar said that they collected samples of snacks prepared by two centres and sent those to laboratory around two months back. “The reports showed that various snacks cooked by the eateries contained high quantity of MSG and harmful colours. Therefore, we decided to create awareness among owners of the fast-food centres over ill-effects of usage of MSG,” he explained.

It is learnt that not only these centres, but also several caterers and hotels are relying upon this ingredient to enhance taste of dishes, with complete disregard to its effect on consumers’ health. Apparently, this practice is rampant due to poor vigilance by officials concerned. “Fast food centres, caterers and hotels will be booked if found violating safety norms by applying harmful ingredients to dishes,” cautioned Mr Pretam.