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The Truth in Labeling Campaign (TLC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing full and clear labeling of all processed food. We are an all-volunteer organization funded entirely through contributions. Neither our staff nor our directors are paid, and we use no professional fund raisers. Even the cost of disseminating information is primarily borne by volunteers.
Our first project has been to secure identification of processed free glutamic acid (MSG) whenever and wherever it occurs in processed food. Concerned consumers have tried to work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for over 12 years on this issue, but have found no evidence that the FDA is acting on behalf of consumers. It is clear that only through a grassroots effort will the FDA's refusal to require labeling of all MSG be resolved.
It is with this in mind that the TLC joined with 29 petitioners whose ranks included physicians, researchers, and parents acting on behalf of their MSG-sensitive children, in filing a Citizen Petition with the FDA asking the FDA to require labeling of all MSG found in processed foods. The publicity generated by the petition and a subsequent lawsuit generated help from hundreds of volunteers who now pass out information to grocers, physicians, friends, and legislators on the toxic effects of MSG and the ingredients in which it is hidden.
The petition and lawsuit did not, however, have an impact on labeling. After turning down the Citizen Petition, the FDA succeeded in getting the lawsuit set aside, using the Administrative Procedures Act, which allows agencies of the U.S. government to tell the court what material it may or may not look at. Through use of a legal technicality, the FDA managed to withhold evidence contained in its own files that testifies to the fact that MSG has toxic potential.
We continue to serve as a source of accurate information and sounding board for those who seek the truth. We invite you to work with us in our continued efforts to secure labeling of all MSG in all processed food. We also invite you to download and share the information on this Web site with others.
Jack L. Samuels
President
George Bucic
Treasurer
Adrienne Samuels, Ph.D.
Secretary
Truth in Labeling Campaign, P.O. Box 2532, Darien, IL 60561 adandjack@aol.com 858/481-9333 http://www.truthinlabeling.org
This page was last updated on February 10, 2001
RECOGNIZING OR DIAGNOSING MSG SENSITIVITY
Pinpointing MSG as a reaction trigger -- A list of the adverse reactions to MSG
THE CHEMICAL THAT TRIGGERS MSG SENSITIVITY REACTIONS
Truly natural glutamic acid does not contain contaminants -- Genetically engineered bacteria are used to make some MSG
A pork extract is used by Ajinomoto in some, if not all of its "monosodium glutamate."
Hidden in processed food -- Hidden in infant formula -- Sprayed on growing fruits, grains, and vegetables
(There have been reports of MSG reactions to produce)
Sprayed on California wine grapes -- Proposed for spray on organic crops and for use in organic food
Hidden in food with labels that say "No Added MSG," "No MSG Added," and "No MSG"
Falsely advertised as containing no MSG
An overview -- Selected references
Brain lesions -- Retinal degeneration -- Neuroendocrine disorders -- Human adverse reactions
The Glutamate Cascade": Addiction, stroke, epilepsy, degenerative disorders, brain trauma, neuropathic pain, schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression
MEET THE PEOPLE WHO PROFIT FROM THE SALE OF MSG
Industry's defenders of the safety of MSG -- Science for sale? -- Deceptive industry practices
THE POLITICS THAT PROMOTE THE UNREGULATED USE OF MSG
The FDA's next move -- FDA Refuses to Name Ingredients that Contain MSG -- How the game is play
JUST
THE FACTS: Things the "glutes" and their friends at
the EPA, FDA, and USDA don't want you to know.
CONSUMERS
TELL US THAT...
CONSUMER
ADVOCACY -- MAKING THINGS HAPPEN
<>The Truth in Labeling Campaign -- Getting involved -- Thinking of suing? -- Just the facts