Momos cause cancer? Viral Sach answers it!

An Indian man of ethnic Chinese descent sells momos (dumplings) at a roadside breakfast stall in Territi Bazaar in Kolkata. FILE PIC/AFP.

New Delhi: There has been a fear created in the minds of foodies in Delhi who are passionate about consuming momos, the tasty dumplings. ABP News investigated the veracity of this in its latest Viral Sach segment. How harmful is MSG in momos? Does it actually cause the dreaded cancer disease? In fact, A BJP MLC had called for a ban on popular street food momos (dumplings) as it contains a controversial food additive called monosodium glutamate. Scientifically speaking, ​ Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) which is commonly known as Ajn​imoto is one of the main ingredients of many Chinese food items. Ajn​imot​o​ is actually the name of a Japanese company that prepares this ingredient. BJP MLC Ramesh Arora from Jammu and Kashmir says momos have hidden health hazards associated with it because of the use of MSG in them. “He states that MSG in momos ha​se been found to be the root cause of several life-threatening diseases, including cancer of the intestine." “It causes liver cancer and intestine colitis. A US​-based physician has said that it is a silent killer and is more dangerous than alcohol and drugs,” Arora added. What our investigation shows When ABP News approached momos sellers in the national capital, many of them admitted that they use ​aj​ni​moto in a limited quantity to enhance the flavor of the food. “Any item consumed in large quantities can be harmful,” said Suraj a momos seller. When asked whether it causes cancer, Dr. Narendra Bansal of ​Gangaram Hospital said, “Ajn​imoto contains a lot of sodium which lot of people don’t know. It is not advisable for blood pressure, heart patients. It can cause stomach-related problems and ulcers. It increases the headache among migraine patients.” However, he said that there’s no scientific evidence to prove that ajinomoto causes cancer. Ruling out that cancer ​can develop from consuming momos using ajn​imoto, food adulteration expert Ashok Kanchan said, “I believe there should be a warning sign on items containing ajin​o​mot​o​. In Europe it is a restricted used ingredient. It may not cause cancer but can give instant allergic reactions. It has side effects and should be consumed carefully,” he said.