LHG(SH:600186) Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-03-30 06:53Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence of Lianhua MSG, a Chinese brand, after overcoming negative perceptions and rumors about MSG's health risks, highlighting the importance of accurate information and effective marketing strategies in the food industry [1][19]. Group 1: Health and Safety of MSG - MSG, primarily composed of monosodium glutamate, is deemed safe by organizations like WHO and FAO, with extensive research supporting its safety as a food additive [3][4]. - Common health concerns regarding MSG, such as its potential carcinogenicity and links to hair loss or obesity, lack scientific backing, and MSG contains less sodium than table salt [5][6]. - The nutritional comparison shows MSG has 8160mg of sodium per 100g, significantly lower than table salt's 39311mg per 100g, indicating that using MSG can help reduce sodium intake [6]. Group 2: Historical Context of MSG in China - MSG was first isolated by Japanese chemist Ikeda Kikunae in 1908, leading to its commercialization as "Ajinomoto" [8][10]. - The production of MSG in China began with Wu Yunchu's water hydrolysis method in 1923, which broke Japan's monopoly and established domestic production [10][12]. - Lianhua MSG emerged as a leading brand in the 1980s, achieving a market share of 43% and becoming the first MSG stock in China by 1998 [12][19]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Competition - The entry of multinational companies promoting "chicken essence" in the early 2000s led to a significant decline in MSG's market share, as these companies successfully rebranded consumer perceptions [12][14]. - The negative portrayal of MSG was exacerbated by the "Chinese restaurant syndrome" narrative, which originated from a 1968 letter in a medical journal, despite MSG being recognized as safe by the FDA since 1959 [15][16]. Group 4: Revival Strategies for Lianhua MSG - Post-bankruptcy, Lianhua MSG utilized new media to reshape consumer perceptions, showcasing production processes and innovative product ideas like "MSG cocktails" and "MSG ice cream" [19][24]. - The company reported over 100 million in net profit in 2024, indicating a successful turnaround and revaluation of the brand in the market [19][24]. Group 5: Food Safety and Public Perception - The article emphasizes the need for rigorous food safety regulations and accurate public information to combat misinformation and restore consumer trust in domestic products like MSG [20][24]. - It advocates for a multi-faceted approach to food safety communication, combining traditional and new media to effectively educate the public about the safety and benefits of MSG [24][25].