MSG Naturally Occurring in Food is Misleading. Some misinformation that’s become increasingly promoted is that MSG is naturally found in food and therefore it is safe. While it is true that there are minute levels of unprocessed glutamate found in some foods, this is irrelevant when considering the safety of MSG. Just because Cocaine is naturally occurring in the Coca leaf, doesn’t mean processed raw cocaine is safe. The beautiful poppy flower is relatively harmless, yet it’s the source of opium, heroin, and many harmful and addictive opiates such as morphine and codeine. Tobacco is a harmless plant that grows in nature, yet when smoked or chewed it can cause cancer. Just because glutamates are found to be naturally occurring in small quantities doesn’t make them safe.