The government has lifted the ban on the manufacturing and import of monosodium glutamate (MSG), also known as Ajinomoto salt, following persistent complaints from Japan and a review of scientific evidence by an expert committee.
The ban was imposed in 2018 under a Supreme Court ruling, implemented through Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) 2660(1)/2018, issued on February 28, 2018. However, Japan, along with MSG manufacturer Ajinomoto, had objected to the restriction, calling it scientifically unfounded and unique to Pakistan. They raised the issue at both bilateral and multilateral forums.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, Japan’s concerns were relayed to the Prime Minister’s Office during a 2022 meeting with a Japanese business delegation.Â
The prime minister directed relevant authorities to address the issue. Subsequently, a technical-cum-expert committee was formed in March 2023 to study the health and safety aspects of MSG.
The committee, comprising experts from institutions including the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), and Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), reviewed global research and guidelines from the World Health Organisation, Food and Agriculture Organisation, US Food and Drug Administration, and European Union regulations. Their findings confirmed MSG as a safe food additive, widely used in global food industries.
The Commerce Ministry highlighted that the ban not only lacked scientific basis but also risked straining Pakistan’s trade and economic relations with Japan. The cabinet was informed that Ajinomoto had filed a review petition in 2020 against the original Supreme Court decision, requesting a reassessment of the restriction.
Based on the expert committee’s findings, the Commerce Division recommended filing a review petition in the Supreme Court through the Attorney General of Pakistan, supported by the technical evidence presented by the expert committee.
Following cabinet deliberations, it was decided to lift the ban and allow the filing of a review petition against the 2018 court decision. The expert committee will provide technical assistance during the legal proceedings.
The cabinet’s decision reflects Pakistan’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and fostering positive trade relations, particularly with key partners like Japan.
