296691 Mon Apr 05 14:46:30 -0700 2004 3 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1635059 I haven't eaten Chinese food or fast food since October, for medical reasons. Last night, I celebrated a lowered cholesterol count and Daylight Savings with a Quarter-Pounder, no bun. I immediately got that garlicky taste, and soon experienced symptoms I recognize--increased heart rate, warmth and tingling along the jaw, and, later, sleeplessness. Today, a genteel belch still evokes that garlic taste. So, is my local McD using MSG? Or are they pepping up the 1/4-lb with actual garlic? Mon Apr 05 14:46:30 -0700 2004 0 Shep 1 1635063 Below is a link to the products McDonalds offers that include MSG. The Quarter Pounder does not have MSG (or garlic for that matter). You were experiencing symptoms from something else, or some kind of self-induced placebo effect. Link: http://www.mcdonalds.com/app_controller.nutrition.categories.allergens.index.html Mon Apr 05 15:05:29 -0700 2004 1635059 0 D 2 1635099 Ah, the placebo syndrome. Could be. Last fast food burger I be eating for the next quite some time, anyway. Thanks for response. Mon Apr 05 21:46:59 -0700 2004 1635063 0 Shep 3 4706217 Actually McDonalds and pretty much all chain restaurants and fast food places in the US use MSG in some form or another. At McDs its not in the burger but on the seasoning "grill seasoning" (source Omnivore's Dilemma & google) I also worked at a restaurant known for there steaks. Its usually never in the meat but the seasoning. Just google MSG and the restaurant you want to go to. Its also added to most condiments especially ranch dressing & soy sauce. Fri May 22 07:27:29 -0700 2009 1635099 320071 ttwedt