By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos
West African Seasoning Company Limited (WASCO), makers of AJI-NO-MOTO food seasoning product, and other seasoning brands, has affirmed the nutritional value and safety of its numerous brands.
WASCO’s Communications Manager, Francisca Ikediashi, said Aji-No-Moto, which has been in existence since 1909, is made from sugar came through fermentation process.
According to her, the seasoning helps to reduce salt intake.
Ikediashi delivered the renewed awareness campaign message at the 11th symposium of Health Writers Association of Nigeria which was held in Lagos on 8th December 2021.
“Based on its safety, AJI-NO-MOTO® which has been in existence for over 100 years, is consumed in over 130 countries by enhancing taste and increasing deliciousness of food,” the WASCO communications chief highlighted.
She introduced “DeliDawa”, the latest brand of WASCO seasoning.
DeliDawa enhances the deliciousness of food; it’s safe,” she assured.
AJI-NO-MOTO® food seasoning, also known as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), is safe for consumption, and it has for a long time been scientifically proven to be safe for consumption, Ikediashi said.
“The Umami taste harmonizes the overall flavour without any compromise to the delicious taste of our meals,” she elaborated.
She stressed that AJI-NO-MOTO® is simply made from sugarcane through the natural process of fermentation, and, therefore, it is 100 percent safe for consumption.
Educating the participants further, Ikediashi noted that based on its safety, AJI-NO-MOTO® seasoning is consumed in over 130 countries.
AJI-NO-MOTO®, according to her, has been safely used as food ingredient since 1909 after it was discovered by a Japanese scientist, Dr. Kikunae Ikeda.
She confirmed that the product is registered in Nigeria by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Ikediashi provided more safety facts about umami seasoning and gave reasons why Nigerians should not entertain any fear consuming it.
“The benefits of the seasoning include enhancing and promoting the deliciousness of our meals; it is economical; it reduces salt intake and it is rich in glutamate one of the free amino acids.
“Almost all seasoning contains MSG,” AJI-NO-MOTO® is 100 per cent safe for human consumption, she said.
WASCO, the communications manager declared, is committed to helping Nigerians eat healthy by bringing out the natural taste in cooking through safe and cost-effective seasonings.
The WASCO chief urged Nigerians to dispel any myth or misconception about AJI-NO-MOTO®.
“Umami substance is present in most natural foods such as meat, seafood, vegetables, cheese and milk. Glutamate is also abundant in breast milk. Umami seasoning enhances the taste of dishes and is a universal taste. It is one of the five basic tastes along with sweet, sour, salty and bitter. We have a lot of glutamate in our local foods. Iru, for instance, is umami. When you take Iru, you take a lot of glutamates”he explained.
She added that AJI-NO-MOTO is simply made from sugarcane through the natural process of fermentation.
She commended members of the association for the engagement and promised that the company remained committed working with them in making AJI-NO-MOTO a household name in food seasoning in Nigeria.About the latest addition to their brand, Ikediashi mentioned that “DeliDawa” is a powdery seasoning made from fermented locus beans which gives more native flavour and taste than local Daddawa, it has no unpleasant smell and no inconvenience of grinding. It is affordable and can be used for a long period of time. Produced and packaged under a hygienic condition, the seasoning can be used for variety of local dishes”
President of HEWAN, Mrs. Chioma Obinna in her response, commended WASCO for supporting and contributing to the success of this year’s symposium, assuring that members of the association would continue to provide consumers with factual information about the product through their stories.
“This awareness is a welcome development. A lot of our members have today been sensitised about the safety of your product as a brand that is an essential seasoning for every meal; Now that the company has partnered with us for awareness creation, we are very happy. It is now our duty to take the information to the public,” she said.
WASCO has continued to use various platforms including engagement with key stakeholders in the medical profession, food science and technology, women groups, traditional rulers among others, to raise awareness about the safety of the Japanese Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) food seasoning.
