In light of the 15-day ban imposed on Maggi noodles by Delhi Government, The Pioneer on Thursday spoke to health specialists in Delhi and found out that if taken in large quantities, lead and MSG can affect brain, kidneys, liver and nervous system and can even harm pregnant women and children. Besides these, it can also cause toxicity, headache, palpitations and some behavioural problems if consumed twice or thrice a day, according to doctors.
Nestlé’s Maggi has landed in a soup after it was banned in the national Capital and other States after lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG) content exceeding the prescribed limits were found in its tastemaker (masala).
MSG being edible and found naturally in some vegetables like potato, mushrooms and tomato, does not cause any harm. But when excess artificial MSG is consumed and gets accumulated in the body, it can have adverse effects on health like weakness in the arm, sensations in the neck and mouth, said Dr RK Singal, Director Internal Medicine of BlK Super Speciality Hospital.
As immunity of a human varies from person to person, artificial preservatives can have long-term side-effects. Dr Singal said: “For pregnant and lactating mothers, it can affect reproduction along with abnormalities in the foetus.”
Terming lead as a silent killer, if taken daily, even in small amounts, Dr Anurag Saxena, Consultant Internal Medicine, Primus Super Speciality Hospital said, “Small doses of lead over a period cause toxicity in the body. lead poisoning can damage the kidneys, heart and intestines,” adding, it can harm the nervous system.
Gastroenterologist Dr Harsh Kapoor, Primus Hospital, said children up to the day of 4 to 5 years can suffer from mental and physical developmental abnormalities. They can also face loss of appetite, fatigue, upset tummy, obesity, inactivity and retinal damage.
Dr Abhideep Chaudhary, liver Transplant Surgeon, Ganga Ram Hospital said, “It is always best to avoid packaged food. MSG as taste enhancer is only harmful when eaten in excess,” adding, “These foods do not have high nutritive value and statutory labels must be read.”
Taking health of the people as their top priority, doctors have urged lawmakers to check and verify the source of lead and MSG in food packets.