Monosodium glutamate(MSG), CAS 142-47-2, chemical formula C5H8NO4Na, molecular weight 187.127 g/mol.
The main component of MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, usually white crystal or powder, odorless and stable to light. It can stimulate the taste buds and increase the freshness of food, especially meat and vegetables, and is often added to soups and meat products. Its direct nutritional value to the human body is small, but the glutamic acid it provides can combine with blood ammonia to play a detoxifying effect, and is used clinically in the treatment of patients in liver coma.
The initial industrial production of MSG in China was based on gluten or soybean meal as raw material, and MSG was produced by acid hydrolysis. With the progress of science and the application of microbial technology in the food industry, MSG production has been revolutionized. Since 1965, most of the MSG industry in China has adopted the fermentation method for production.
The main producers of MSG are as follows.
Fufeng Group
Fufeng Group. is an international bio-fermented products company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, mainly dedicated to the research, development, production, and operation of various amino acids and their derivative products and bio-colloids. Its main products include MSG, xanthan gum, edible glucose, crystalline fructose, fertilizer, corn oil, chicken essence, a series of compound seasonings, glutamic acid, threonine, valine, isoleucine, and cordyceps capsules We have more than 50 kinds of series of health products such as Cordyceps capsules, Ganoderma lucidum powder, etc. Our leading products, MSG and xanthan gum, are sold all over the country and exported to more than 90 countries and regions in the world.
Meihua Group
Meihua Group is a leading global provider of amino acid nutritional health solutions. By providing various amino acid products and usage solutions to many well-known customers in more than 100 countries and regions around the world, the company allows users worldwide to enjoy a full range of technological communication. The company was founded in 2002 and listed on the Shanghai A-share market at the end of 2010, with offices in Langfang, Hebei Province. Their main products include Xanthan Gum, MSG, Pullulan Polysaccharide, Vitamin B2, Seaweed Sugar, Feed Grade Tryptophan, Valine, Threonine, etc.
Ningxia Eppen Biotech Co., Ltd
Ningxia Eppen Biotech Co., Ltd. is located in Ningxia Province. It is a joint-stock company integrating the production of corn starch, glutamic acid, lysine, monosodium glutamate, compound fertilizer, and feed processing.
Linghua Group Limited
Founded in 1979, Linghua Group Limited has developed into a national large-scale enterprise integrating scientific and technological research and development, ecological industry, modern agriculture, commercial trade, energy supply, and real estate. The products have been expanded to more than 100 varieties in seven series: spices, amino acids, biological products, green organic food, organic fertilizer, biological feed, and electric and steam energy.
Ajinomoto
Ajinomoto is one of the top ten food companies in the world. It has 114 companies worldwide, mainly producing amino acids, processed foods, seasonings, frozen foods, etc. The Ajinomoto Group was the first company in the world to develop and market a commercial seasoning made from glutamic acid, which has a fresh flavor.
References:
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%91%B3%E4%B9%8B%E7%B4%A0/53757?fr=aladdin
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monosodium_glutamate
https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%91%B3%E7%B2%BE/411503?fr=kg_general
