Flavoring in some fast food, for short

MSG

This umami booster often sparks debates but is common in Asian and processed dishes.

This clue hints at a common food additive often found in fast food, abbreviated for brevity. "MSG" stands for monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer that’s been used for decades in everything from chips to takeout. The "for short" signals the answer is an acronym, not the full name. It’s a straightforward reference—no wordplay, just a well-known shorthand in food culture.