monosodium glutamate (msg)

Monosodium Glutamate or "China Salt" has been very controversial as it is claimed to have a series of bad health side effects, including Neurological Disorders and Birth Defects. I was wondering if MSG has survived these negatives and still finds use in commercial products, outside of China...

What are you thoughts on MSG? I used to think it was some especially bad chemical that was added to food to make it taste addictive and make meat extra soft and tender. I thought it was especially bad for you, just like hydrogenated fats. Lately though I have read that it is not bad for you at...