Tests from a laboratory certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have reportedly found Nestle's Maggi noodles contain levels of lead within amounts permitted under Indian regulations.
According to local press reports, the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) carried out tests on five samples of Maggi noodles provided by the Goa state food safety authority. All tests purportedly found the product is in compliance with India's regulatory requirements.
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Representatives for the CFTRI did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Nestle's Indian arm said the company had only heard about the test results via the media. "Our information on the subject is only through media reports," the spokesperson told just-food.
Nestle has been embroiled in a food safety scare in India, with the FSSAI, the Indian food safety regulator, accusing the company of selling products that contain excess levels of lead, as well as the undeclared ingredient MSG.
Nestle has repeatedly insisted Maggi noodles are "safe" with its own tests finding levels of lead "well within" permissible limits. The company is challenging an FSSAI order requiring the group to stop selling and producing Maggi noodles in India through the Bombay High Court.
Commenting on the legal process, the spokesperson said: "The arguments before the Hon’ble High Court have concluded and the judgement is reserved." Because the matter is "sub-justice" Nestle declined to comment further.
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By GlobalDataShares in Nestle India, which is controlled by the Swiss food giant but also trades on the Bombay stock exchange, rose 7.39% in trade today (5 August).
