L-R: AGM Sales/Marketing & Communications, Isa Hassan Shallangwa; Chairman AMOHN Lagos State, Dr. Tunde Osoba; President Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Lagos State, Dr.Mrs. Ibironke Sodeinde; representing the First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs.Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, MD Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Limited, Mr. Noriyuki Ogushi; Ajinomoto Guest Speaker, Prof. Abiodun Sanni, and Corporate Communications Manager, Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Ltd, Mrs. Francisca Ikediashi, at the event.
By Doris Obinna
Public health physicians in Lagos State have said that Ajinomoto food seasoning is safe for consumption. They spoke at the conference of the Association of Medical Officers of Health of Nigeria, (AMOHN), recently.
They said, “no scientific proof shows consuming Ajinomoto food seasoning is unhealthy.” Management of Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Limited (AFN) said using the seasoning “will help reduce salt intake in our dishes and better enjoyment of the meals.”
The theme of the conference was, “Overview of National Primary Healthcare Under One Roof Performance: Nigeria’s Journey Towards Universal Health Coverage.”
Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the conference, Dr. Adeleke Awolesi, said: “Most times, most information people carry are rumours and rumours move faster. Scientifically, there are no side effects in consuming the food seasoning compared to other brands of food seasonings.
“There are no health issues with the product. We are grateful to the company for partnering with us in our conference and for all the support they gave to us.”
Vice President, AMOHN, Dr. Osinachi Ubani, testified: “Ajinomoto is an old friend for me. I use their brand in my house and my children love meals prepared with their product and it is something I have enjoyed. I have not seen any person complaining about health issues after using the brand.”
Managing Director, Ajinomoto Foods, Mr. Noriyuki Ogushi, assured the medical practitioners of the safety of the product, which he said had existed for over 100 years: “Umami is the taste of the amino acid glutamate; one of the most prevalent amino acids in nature and naturally present in foods like tomatoes, seafood, vegetables, cheese and breast milk.”
Professor of Food Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Abiodun Sanni, said: “MSG does not cause allergy; it does not cause asthma– no link at all; it does not cause obesity; no adverse effect on the lung. Again, no study has shown any group of people not to take glutamate.”