Media Release
Sunday, March 24, 2002

CR NGO ADDRESSES CABRAMATTA RESTAURANT OWNERS MSG CONCERNS

UNITY Fairfield Councillor Thang Ngo said he would assist Cabramatta restaurant owners to raise their concerns in relation to the NSW Government’s proposed regulation that will require restaurants to advise customers that they use MSG.

The government announced last week it intends to force restaurants in NSW that use MSG to inform customers through signage at the restaurants or on menus. Those who do not comply will face fines.

The regulation has not been implemented and the government has indicated there will be a consultation process prior to regulation.

Cr Ngo said there is concerns from Cabramatta restaurants that the proposed regulation will impact adversely on them, given the community generally believe MSG is used predominantly in Asian cooking.

Cr Ngo said complaints from those who have an allergy to MSG include headaches, thirstiness, and heart palpitations. However, there has not been rigorous research to quantify the percentage of the population suffers from MSG allergy.

Cr Ngo said it would be unfair to single out MSG given the general population carry a wide range of allergies.

"Tragically, a NSW student died from an allergy to peanut this week" said Cr Ngo

Cr Ngo will be consulting both the Cabramatta Business Association and the Cabramatta Chamber of Commerce on this issue.

"Without pre-empting the consultation outcome, I believe it would be unfair to single out only MSG an action which could hurt many Asian restaurants" said Ngo.

"The NSW government should not be seen to be contributing to the MSG hysteria, perhaps a more effective and positive response would be to encourage restaurants who do not use MSG to prominently advertise that fact".

Cr Ngo encourages restaurant owners who are concerned to contact his office.