Cross-Cultural Conversations

Observations by a Malaysian studying in Australia

621: The Devil’s Number

 I was browsing through the supermarket when I accidentally passed by the instant noodles section. Now, I have never been a fan of instant noodles because of their industrial taste and “aroma”, but once in a while I’m forced to buy a packet or two of Instant Hot Thai Noodles just to inject some mind-numbing spiciness into my tongue.

I swore to myself never to buy the 50 cent Trident Noodles, so I had a look at the Suimin Thai Laksa, one of those that came in a bowl you can eat straight out of after adding hot water. Examining the Nutritional Information table, I was surprised there was no mention of MSG. I guess the higher price must’ve compensated for the absence of that most reviled flavour enhancer. There were however, a few numbers whose significance I haven’t a clue.

One of them, 621, seemed very familiar, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint where I’ve seen that number before. Ah, it’s probably just my weight in pounds back when I was the fat kid in school. I hastily dismissed the number and bought the noodles, not wanting to tread the painful path of childhood memories.

But dismiss it I couldn’t. After a quick check through my Chemistry book, I realised where I’d seen that number before. Those little food company devils! 621 is in fact the code number for MSG! The food company probably figured that replacing those three taboo words with the innocent-looking 621 will help increase its market share.

The noodles still didn’t taste very good despite the flavour enhancers. Just goes to show, any food that needs MSG to enhance its taste, is not worth eating in the first place. But just remember, if you’re one of those people who religiously scrutinise the Nutritional Information at the back of the food package, the figure to watch out for is not MSG, it’s more likely to be 621.

posted by: Tembaga2 at 07:08 | link | comments (3) |

Comments:

#1  01 November 2004 - 23:05

 

hey, good info for someone as ignorant as me..cant remember what MSG was/is or any stories related to it but i take it it's not good..update ur blog more often k coz i'm bored (not being a student like i'm supposed to) and have been doing EVERYTHING BUT STUDY..huahahahahahaha..

Anonymous

#2  02 November 2004 - 00:34

 

It's Ajinomoto Indah! heh..ive been doing NOTHING BUT STUDY..im in the middle of my final exams right now..

Anonymous

#3  04 November 2004 - 00:00

 

HAHAHA..tks for translating it back to childhood memories..oh well, that's for being so old now =( hmm, i see we are in opposite situations now eyh..hehe..you're studying & i am not.. =p good luck!! =)

Anonymous

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