The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), which was responsible for publishing a Letter to the Editor back in 1968 that spawned unjustified fear of MSG, is being asked by a coalition of chefs, food writers, and nutritionists to put a decisive end to the harmful legacy of the so-called “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” (CRS).
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.”
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.”
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!”
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