Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) ???

[DisneyZigs]

Hi !

My husband is allergic to MSG. Do any of you know if this is a commonly used additive at WDW?

We are on the dining plan and have ADRs at Ohanas, Kona, LeCellier, 1900 Park Faire, Concourse Steakhouse, Liberty Tree Tavern, Chef Mickey's, and the Luau.

The MSG-allergy is one of the reasons I stayed away from Boma's and similar type restaurants that have different/spicey foods.

He is a steak kind of guy anyway, but has become even MORE of one since this allergy has surfaced. To him, it's easier and "safer" to order a filet than to take chances with something with too many additives.

I'd love any input you may have on MSG-use in the park and resort restaurants.

TiA!!

 

[bicker]

Actually, MSG isn't an allergen. What it does is make folks more allergic to the things they're actually allergic to (seafood, peanuts, etc.).

Regardless, while I'm sure it is widely used (since it has a positive impact on about 98% of patrons), the full-service restaurants, at least, will gladly leave it out of any dish, on request. I'm not as confident with respect to the counter-service restaurants. They often serve many pre-prepared foods, and so if there is MSG in it, they cannot leave it out. Be sure to ask.

 

[DisneyZigs]

Thank you, bicker...can you help us with something? If MSG exacerbates an already existing allergy....i.e. seafood, etc....then what may be in the Hidden Valley Ranch dry powder that REALLY gives my dh hives/swelling?

He didn't eat seafood with it....or nuts.

MSG has been the only link that we can think of in the foods he has consumed before causing the hives/swelling. It isn't consistent, though....well, it IS consistent with ranch type dressings and sauces that are similar to that.

But if he has something with MSG lower in the Ingredients list, he sometimes isn't bothered by it. (i.e. some canned soups, some chips)

Thank you for your insight!!

 

[bicker]

There are lots of dairy items in the ingredients, buttermilk solids, whey solids, whole milk solids, casein. Also, some folks are allergic to various spices. Could have been any of that.

 

[Forever42]

Actually, MSG isn't an allergen. What it does is make folks more allergic to the things they're actually allergic to (seafood, peanuts, etc.).

Yes, this is true - your husband may have an adverse reaction to MSG, but food allergens are proteins, which MSG isn't. Thanks, bicker, for pointing that out.

If you wish to avoid it at Disney, your best bet is going to be to call the restaurant within 24 hours of your dining there. Many food additives contain MSG, and it's nearly impossible to determine which restaurant may or may not use it.

 

[java]

The only place that I walked out with an MSG Headache in WDW was Nine Dragons in China at Epcot. It was horrible. I never had a reaction before- but in disney I had the knock me out headache. Everyone else felt the same in my group. But the food was good- so maybe we will try and ask for no msg? On your list the only one that would stand out as a maybe would be Kona/Ohana and the Luau. But I would just call ahead. Have fun!

 

[Stitch65]

My son has a soy allergy and MSG aggravates that. He's also allergic to dairy and gluten... I know that for his soy allergy it isn't only the "protein" that gets him, he can't even have anything with lecithin in it, and that is supposedly safe for people with soy allergy.

If you are really unsure about which allergies you have, find an allergist that will test for food allergies... My son had a IV draw blood that tested for his allergies.

We'll be dining on the DDP, and Brenda at MK was an excellent source of info, her number is 407-824-5967. She is awesome.

Good luck!