Consumer Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards the Use of Monosodium Glutamate and Food Grade Bullion Cubes as Dietary Constituents

Abstract

The knowledge attitude and practice in use of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and food Grade Bullion Cubes (FGBCs) by 240 respondents randomly selected from the rural and urban areas of Enugu and Nsukka in Enugu state were investigated. Information was obtained by means of questionnaires feeding regime and focus group discussions. The feeding regime involved a sample of 15 subjects randomly selected from university students who previously complained of some problem after consumption of MSG. The results showed that 98.3% of the respondents were currently using food flavour enhancers (MSGs and FGBCs) in cooking stews, soups, pottages, pepper soups, moi moi, sauce and others. Consumption of FGBCs in terms of number of households was 95.8% and MSG 49.6%. Consumption was on a daily basis. The low and high category of users of FGBCs consumed 14 g and 24 g/person/week respectively while for MSG it was 0.9 g and 6.6 g/person/week, respectively. In addition, a total of 82.5% and 42.5% have knowledge of FGBCs and MSG respectively. The major medium of information was Radio (50%). Results also showed that 95% used FGBCs because it is affordable, while 54.6% used MSG because it is generally good. A total of 71.3% were aware of the health problems associated with MSG. Out of this number, 45% have experienced it. The 14-day feeding trials showed no health problems on the subjects investigated. Nutrition education, information on safety of MSG, fortification of MSG and consumption of fortified foods are recommended.