The management of AJINOMOTO Foods Nigeria Limited, an affiliate of a global food giant, Ajinomoto and makers of AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami food seasoning, has embarked on an awareness journey on the importance of consuming foods with less salt as part of activities marking the 2023 Umami Seasoning Day.

 The management reassured Nigerians that the safety of AJI-NO-MOTO food seasoning, which promotes low salt intake, healthy living and enhances the flavour of foods, has been validated by food scientists, nutritionists, researchers, and national and global regulatory bodies.

The Umami Seasoning Day is celebrated on July 25th every year to raise awareness about the importance of the umami seasoning popularly known as AJI-NO-MOTO® Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in cooking. The day is also used to sensitise the public about the safety of consuming the AJI-NO-MOTO® seasoning, which gives foods a delectable flavour, brings out their deliciousness and promotes the palatability of dishes and cuisines worldwide.

As part of its long-term strategy, AJINOMOTO has, over the years, developed AminoScience and Enzyme Technologies to create unique flavours for food products without compromising on quality or safety standards set by regulatory bodies worldwide. 

Speaking on the day, the Managing Director of AJINOMOTO Foods Nigeria Ltd., Mr Noriyuki Ogushi, said the food giant had developed global products and seasonings using salt-reduction technologies. Ogushi noted that the safety of AJI-NO-MOTO® had long been scientifically proven, and authorised agencies of the United Nations approved its safety.

He explained, “Since its founding, the Ajinomoto Group has consistently engaged in initiatives to resolve social issues through its business. We do this through our philosophy of contributing to the well-being of all human beings, our society and our planet with AminoScience.” 

“Umami” translates to “deliciousness”, and the term was named in 1908 by a Japanese scientist, Ikeda Kikunae, to describe the savoury taste produced by glutamate. Umami is the taste of the amino acid glutamate – one of nature's most prevalent amino acids and naturally present in foods like tomatoes, seafood, vegetables, cheese, and Breastmilk. We are actively developing products and seasonings that utilise salt-reduction technologies, and the safety of AJI-NO-MOTO® has long been scientifically proven and approved by authorised agencies of the United Nations." Mr. Ogushi added. 

Also backing the safety of the Japanese food seasoning is a Professor of Enzyme and Food Biotechnology, Abdulkarim Sabo Mohammed, who affirmed that various scientific findings have proven that AJI-NO-MOTO® is safe for consumption. Prof. Mohammed, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, said, "Glutamic acid is a prominent amino acid that contributes to the umami taste. Glutamate is essential for living bodies. It is a good energy source of the brain and helps boost good feeling by regulating impulse transmission in the nerves."

According to him, AJI-NO-MOTO® MSG is a healthy product that has been consumed by billions of people across the globe. The food safety expert reiterated, "There is no scientific proof to directly associate MSG with any health issues as suggested. Research suggests that umami (MSG) in AJINO-MOTO® acts to enhance flavour and promotes a feeling of satiety.

A further Ajinomoto Group initiative is its Smart Salt Project, promoted as a “Japan model” for delicious salt reduction. 

Smart Salt Project provides consumers with information on reduced salt products and tips to prepare easy, delicious, and healthy meals using AJINOMOTO® umami seasoning, which contains two-thirds less sodium than table salt and other flavour seasonings. 

Prof. Mohammed urged Nigerians to debunk the myths and unscientific claims about MSG and to work with facts and science.

Similarly, a Nutritionist- Dietitian at the Department of Food, Nutrition & Home Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port-Harcourt, Dr Helen Henry Unaeze, also confirmed that MSG promotes significant sodium reduction.

" MSG has two-thirds less sodium than table salt, and it contains umami, which is a savoury taste with 30 to 40 percent salt reduction that can be achieved by adding MSG without changing the taste of the food. Taste is a key factor in what people decide to eat. Using MSG as a replacement for salt in the diet and to increase the appeal of nutritious foods can help make healthy eating easier, leading to a positive impact on health", said the dietician.

Mr Isa Hassan Shallangwa, the Assistant General Manager of Marketing and Communications Management of AJINOMOTO Foods Nigeria Limited, said the Umami Seasoning Day aimed to educate people for a better understanding and appreciation of umami and its essential role in food.

He said the Ajinomoto Group was founded on discovering that glutamate is responsible for umami taste. " This discovery led to the launch of the world’s first umami seasoning, AJI-NO-MOTO® monosodium glutamate. AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami seasoning has been promoting deliciousness since 1909 by enhancing meals worldwide."

“Excessive salt intake is a global health issue that the Ajinomoto Group is uniquely positioned to help solve through amino acid technologies that lower sodium content and provide savoury deliciousness through umami.”

According to him, since its discovery over 100 years ago, MSG has been used safely as a food ingredient and seasoning in many different cultures. " Extensive scientific research confirms MSG’s safety and role in the diet. Monosodium glutamate or umami seasoning has 2/3 less sodium than table salt and can be used in the place of some salt in certain dishes to reduce the sodium by up to 61 percent without compromising flavour”, he said. 

The Corporate Communications Officer of the company, Francisca Ikediashi, reminded consumers that AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami seasoning is an excellent companion that is fundamental to the taste of foods and suitable for all kinds of foods. She explained, "During cooking, it blends well with other savoury flavours such as ginger, garlic, etc., to boost the taste of all soups and stews and give them a fullness and continuity that makes us enjoy the meal. It is used all over the world.

AJI-NO-MOTO® is produced and packaged under very hygienic conditions, and its consumption presents no risk or danger to health. If you're yet to discover the magic of umami or are sceptical about leveraging it in your kitchen, kindly contact www.ajinomoto.com.ng for sumptuous implementation in your meal. You can follow @ajinomotonigeria on all social media platforms for more details.