Wednesday, May 13, 2009

MSG Part 2: KFC is all about MSG

When I was pregnant the first time, I really wanted some KFC chicken. Thing is, I also had to be aware of my migraine triggers, because medicating for a headache was limited. So when I had this craving, my husband said he didn't think it was a good idea, that surely, KFC's food had MSG in it. I just couldn't let it go, so he found their toll-free number and called to inquire about ingredients.

He asked if there was MSG in the original recipe fried chicken. The representative answered "yes." How about in the extra crispy? Yes, she said, cutting him off with the statement, "everything we make has MSG in it." Everything? He was taken aback. Fries? Yes. Mashed potatoes? Yes. Pepsi?!?!

I was heartbroken and in disbelief. Clearly this woman was exaggerating, right? Here we are years later and I'm still thinking about it. I thought I'd use my last post and see if MSG indeed does appear in all of their foods. I went to the website and downloaded the complete ingredients statement. Sure enough, there is MSG in pretty much everything, if you include all the names it can be "hidden" under. Pretty much the only thing I could find that appeared to be free of MSG was some of the salad dressings and the garden salad.

Phew. If I ever found myself in a situation where I could only eat KFC, I would at least have one option. On the other hand, I'd probably already have a migraine if I was in this position, so how bad could a little extra trigger-food be?

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