A coalition of chefs, food writers, and nutritionists has energized a united effort to put a decisive end to the harmful legacy of the so-called “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” (CRS).
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), which published a Letter to the Editor back in 1968 that spawned unjustified fear of MSG, is in the process of revisiting historical biases perpetuated by the journal. The coalition has requested that NEJM finally after 56 years correct the record about this unscientific source of widespread misinformation related to MSG.
This Letter to the Editor of NEJM described the author’s anecdotal account of generalized weakness, palpitations and numbness in the arms after eating at a Chinese restaurant. He noted that any number of ingredients may have caused his symptoms – sodium, alcohol from the cooking wine, or theoretically MSG. However, the letter served as a source for the myth that MSG may be associated with such symptoms, which was dubbed “Chinese-Restaurant Syndrome” in the journal’s title for the correspondence.
According to a recent article in Forbes, the Letter to the Editor created negative, racially charged headlines across the country and impacted Asian-American communities “by reinforcing harmful stereotypes and causing economic harm. Chinese and other Asian restaurants often faced declining business and were compelled to display ‘No MSG’ signs to reassure customers.”
Correcting Historical Biases
The coalition is urging NEJM to address its role in creating this xenophobic term (“Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”) as part of its ongoing review of historical biases. A broad review by NEJM was announced in December 2023 to address past injustices and correct harmful aspects of its own history (other medical publications and medical organizations have undertaken similar actions) – but this review thus far has failed to include the journal’s role in perpetuating the CRS myth.
According to the Forbes article: “The coalition’s letter to NEJM is part of a broader effort to correct the record on MSG and tackle the enduring misconceptions that have affected Asian-American communities. Among the supporters is Ajinomoto, a leading producer of MSG in the U.S., which has backed educational campaigns aimed at dispelling myths about the ingredient.”
Social Media Campaign
On various social media outlets, Ajinomoto’s posts have included this important message:
“@NEJM reparation work is needed! Chinese Restaurant Syndrome (CRS) is a classic case of historical racial injustice, perpetuated by your esteemed journal. Fear of MSG has a xenophobic basis, which began with a NEJM letter to the editor in 1968. Based on your latest commendable intentions, you can set the record straight!”
Please consider sharing this article with your followers on social media using the #RevisitCRS hashtag, and any of these related articles:
- End Harmful Legacy of “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome”, Asks Letter Of Medical Journal (IFLScience)
- Reclaiming MSG – A New Push to Erase “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” (Forbes)
- New campaign aims to address racist stereotypes around MSG (Axios)
- Questions and Answers on Monosodium Glutamate (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
- MSG Safety: How Much Evidence Do YOU Need? (MSGdish.com)
- The Rotten Science Behind the MSG Scare (Science History Institute)
