The flavour enhancer has been criticised in recent years by anecdotal reports that it could contribute to a host of health problems, from hyperactivity in children to food allergies. It is commonly used in foods such as soups and ready meals.
"There's the perception that it's not the healthiest of ingredients," said Jonathan Thomas, principal market analyst at Leatherhead Food Research. "That's why the global market for MSG has slowed down from 20062010 and particularly since 2008." Growth had reduced in both value and volume, he said, commenting on findings published last month in Leatherhead Food Research's (LFR's) report on The Global Food Additives Market.
By contrast, world sales of 'free-from MSG' products increased in 2009 by 9% said Thomas.
It was a very different story in the Far East, he said. "Production and consumption is heavily skewed towards China, which represents 70% of the market, and the Far East. This was not just because consumers there were adopting more western diets. Much of the MSG processed there is exported to the US," said Thomas.
The LFR report claimed global food additive sales grew by an average of 4% a year from 2006–2010 to reach $27.4bn in 2010. The growth was driven by enzymes, acidulants and hydrocolloids and the industry passing on rising raw material costs.